Falling

The strength, patience and universal need to forgive and bridge generational gaps Mr. Mortensen is aiming for have a devastating effect.

It's a bold approach, but too often "Falling" comes off just as incorrigible as its lead character.

It's beautifully done and intense with some very dramatic scenes.

Ultimately, this grueling, overlong picture - think a chamber piece but with multiple characters and locations - never zeroes in on what it wants us to think or feel about Willis or John. But if it's sympathy, it doesn't get there.

Mortensen draws on his experience as a committed, collaborative actor of intense emotional truth and deep research for his powerhouse late-career directing debut. The result is a visceral and urgent drama.

It's impressive work all around. [Mortensen] has a sure hand and mostly excellent judgment.

The lackluster filmmaking is one underwhelming element, but the screenplay is another level of dreadful.

Falling is a simple story, told by a strong cast that make you feel for their predicament. However, a repetitive nature makes it indistinguishable from the raft of independent movies on the same subject.

Mortensen, in his first effort behind the camera, proves to be an unflashy director, and that's fine for his simple goals.

If not for the commendable acting from the stars of the movie, Falling would be a very unpleasant chore to watch.