Search - Falling on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 11/23/2019...

2005 British drama, starring Michael Kitchen and Penelope Wilton. Directed by Tristram Powel, screenplay written Andrew Davies (always a sure mark of a quality program.) Based on the book by Elizabeth Jane Howard, which she based on her own real life experiences with a sociopath. Sociopaths have a key symptomology and form about 5 percent of the population. Chances are you'll have a run-in with one along the way. This is also the number one reason folks end up in psychiatric care. See, sociopaths are a machine. They are not human beings. You are nothing more than a thing that stands between them and what they want (Money, Power, Sex, Validation, etc.) No conscience. No playing by the rules which the rest of society plays by. Master manipulators. You cannot change them, ever. They are broken, and there has never been one case reported of a single one being rehabilitated. Falling is a rather good representation of what it is like to be taken advantage of by one. Enjoy your viewing, although I'd consider this more educational than entertaining. Forewarned is forearmed.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Tour-de-force performance by Michael Kitchen

golden eagle | 10/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Falling." What a wonderful title! After seeing this film, "falling" brings to mind stepping up to the brink, closing your eyes, and taking a plunge--without ever looking.

For fans of Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, (played by Michael Kitchen in "Foyle's War"), this movie is a superb opportunity to see a lot more of the actor (without so many other characters murdering each other and taking precious screen time away from Kitchen, as they do in "Foyle's War"). In "Falling", Kitchen plays Henry Kent in a role that allows him to portray a much wider range of emotions than the character Christopher Foyle calls for--and to use a much broader vocabulary: I have a difficult time imaging the reticent Foyle voluntarily using the word "ravish." Henry Kent, on the other hand, proffers the word easily, guilefully.

As the film begins, Henry, seated on a train, gives us an unusual soliloquy on love and loss. The oddity of this scene is alleviated somewhat as we then watch the glib, wonderfully friendly Henry meet his prospective love, Daisy (played by Penelope Wilton with just the right touch of bewilderment). Henry charms his way into her house and soon manages to light a fire for her, as it were. But, don't expect a simple romantic story here. Time spent with Henry could never be simple or straightforward. This tale moves forward to include a full range of emotions, including some heart-pounding suspense.

Michael Kitchen gives a versatile and clever performance in which Henry Kent exudes a singular jaded charm--which seems conjured quite naturally by the actor. Kitchen's mature, handsome face and his boyish smile are a wonderful foil to the character's personality and intentions. This film is a little diamond, a gem which keeps turning, and in each turn, you see all the varying faces that Kitchen can reveal. Henry is tender, creepy, mercurial, tempting: he is a tribute to the wizardry of Michael Kitchen. Truly a tour-de-force performance.
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If you're looking for nice Mr. Foyle, he isn't here.

D. Hurley | Gretna, Louisiana | 04/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The story is based on fact and because the storyteller allows the viewer to know each of the main characters motivations and feelings as or before events happen, it's all the more menacing. Michael Kitchen is such a good actor but in this movie he is not kindly old Mr. Foyle. He really is a dispicable and menacing character. In parts I was really frightened for Penelope Wilton's charactor. Of course, in the end she pulls it together in a way that makes any women's libber proud. Its a good story, well told, well photographed. Well worth the money and time."

A Must-See for Any Woman Over 40 (Or Younger)

Linda Abraham | Florida | 01/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unfortunately the scenario depicted in this film is all too common, although rarely mentioned. In fact, since the feminist movement more and more men have lost any manly inhibition they may have had for seeking women to be financially dependent on; and using charm and compliments to manipulate themselves into otherwise savvy women's lives. Based on the novel "Falling" by Elizabeth Jane Howard, who in turn based the novel on her own unfortunate experience with a "fan" when she was in her seventies.

Excellent acting. I recommend seeing it with your favorite women friends, and keep the guys out of the room.
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