Falling

Viggo, perhaps one of the most underrated actors of the past few decades gives a heartbreaking performance. He also steps behind the camera, flexing his directing chops to guide this film. At times hard to watch, Falling manages to use flashback with a uniqueness not quite seen. He pulls the onion back just enough to keep your attention, using colors, landscapes and sound design to make the viewer reflect inwards. It misses the mark in the casting department for me, as Lance Henirckson at times is so offensive you lose all compassion for a man that has truly lost his ability to connect his mind with his words. That being said, there is comfort in the likes of Moretnesen and Linney as they suffer through his gut wrenching diatribes, their sadness shines through. Slow paced and purposeful, Falling is a must see for anyone who has a family member battling dementia, or an insufferable parent.

This film which should (I hate that word) be smooth and quiet, is exhausting. It's a train wreck with bodies being tossed aside one and two at a time by a vile old man who was even worse young one - and you cannot stop watching. Until he isn't. Or is he? If anyone has had a destructive personality (or two) in their life knows how true to life this film is. And how exhausting these people are. You want to love them, but ... While this film is difficult to watch, it is well worth it. Think what the actors had to go through to make this for us.

I watched an interview with Viggo and Mr Henriksen few weeks back talking about the making of the Film and what inspired him to write the Story. Now that I have watched the Movie twice, I get it. The reality of Dementia and Old Age is tough to swallow but the Film sets the Tone from the First scene. All the Flashbacks to the Past and still shots of Art and Beautiful scenery make it a kinda trippy ride. Since the story was loosely based on his own Family and personal experiences growing up Viggo was all in and it shows in his directing and acting in the Movie. The clash of characters and Nice Soundtrack make for a Fun watch. Sailors Language thru out. Lance Henriksen is the Man !

Great acting all around, solid story, good directing. Anyone who has spent their whole life dealing with an emotionally and psychologically abusive parent will relate, and unless you've been there you probably won't understand why the son and daughter put up with it. I did. My 95-year-old father died a month ago after decades of slights and hurts, and he still managed to deliver one last slap after he died.

I disagree with some who think this is just about a disease or dementia as if it somehow changed the father - no, it just brought out more of who the father really was. I agree this it was about love - how some adult children still want to love and have the need to be loved back.

Warnings: This movie had a disturbing amount of verbal abuse in the form of homophobia and misogyny. It is definitely not for children. Be prepared.

Lance Hendrickson is great if you want someone who is pissed off, depressed and has almost full blown Alzheimer's. Very sad and true to life character study. He also hates his son is gay.