Review: Compelling 'Falling' is Authentic and Watchable

Watching a third movie that deals with dementia in as many weeks is kind of a tough call (especially for a critic edging on in years). First there was "The Father," in which Sir Anthony Hopkins played a cantankerous old man who never let up on his sainted daughter, played by Olivia Colman, Then came "Supernova" with Stanley Tucci playing novelist with early-onset dementia on a trip across England's lake country with his partner Colin Firth. Both actors give career best performances in a heartbreaking love story.

Now there is "Falling," the impressive writing /directing debut of actor Viggo Mortensen, about a curmudgeonly old man who reluctantly has to move in with his gay son and the son's husband.

The trouble with making any story about dementia is that we know there is almost no possibility of it finishing on any positive note, not just because of the diagnosis, but also because of the severe impact the disease has on family dynamics.

Mortensen's story revolves around the embittered misogynist Wallis (brilliantly played by veteran actor Lance Henriksen), who still lives alone on his remote country ranch. In a series of flashbacks, Mortensen, who plays Willis's gay son John, reveals his history of growing up in a home filled with his father's rage.

Occasionally, Willis attempts to bond with a somewhat reluctant young John with macho pursuits such as hunting, but his tough-love approach never wins his son over. Their father-son relationship is disrupted when John's mother decides to leave her abusive husband, taking a greatly relieved nine-year-old John and his sister with her.

Willis moves on to other woman whom John doesn't take to, and now, as an adult, John still blames his father for his mother's early death.

The movie starts with the two men on a plane, heading to the home John shares with his husband and daughter in L.A. when it is apparent that Willis cannot care for himself anymore. Enroute, the older man gets confused and lets loose with unfiltered racist and sexist expletives that take aim at "faggots," "whores," and others. When John doesn't respond the way Willis wants to, the situation is heightened, and sets the stage for the confrontational dynamic that follows. Once in L.A., Willis dismisses John's relationship, insisting on calling husband Eric (Terry Chen) "the boyfriend." John, though, continues to act as he had in the past, kissing Eric in front of his father.

There is an uncomfortable lunch when John's sister Susan (Laura Linney) comes to visit. Although she tiptops around her father as if she is on eggshells, she also doesn't escape his violent outbursts. It's only Susan's two teenage children that are prepared to answer Willis back without any sign of restraint.

There is never any hesitation on the parts of mild-mannered John or Eric to accept responsibility for Willis' welfare, even though there is not even a hint of respect and gratitude from Willis. He is rigidly set in the depths of his anger and unhappiness, and he shows no sign of wanting to escape that, save for one tiny touch of redemption.

It's a fascinating dynamic where a rampant homophobe has no option other than to rely on the generosity of his queer son. Mortensen treats the situation with sensitivity and such respect that he makes the compelling story, and its outcome, authentic and watchable.

"Falling" premieres in theaters Feb. 5.