'God's Army' is 'Falling'

By R.M. Monk

January 25, 2008 | SALT LAKE CITY -- After directing so called "Mormon movies" such as God's Army, Richard Dutcher has made a different kind a film, one about becoming disenfranchised with life and the LDS faith.

His new movie, Falling, premiered Jan. 18 at the Gateway Megaplex. Fifteen people walked out of the screening, most during a scene with discussion of an abortion.

"I think I broke my record," said Dutcher lightheartedly to the remaining audience.

The movie earned Dutcher, who now describes himself as post-Mormon, his first "R" rating. The story centers on a cameraman named Eric (Dutcher himself) who prowls Los Angeles filming shocking and sometimes horrifying video to sell to news stations. His wife (Virginia Reece), is an actress trying to make it big, but has problems with what she must do in order to "get the part." Eric's work eventually lead to violent, bloody confrontation that spurs him to a spiritual rekindling. But the film answers his inner questions with silence.

About the explicit and brutal violence in the film, Dutcher said, it's like when an artist is never allowed the color red, and then gets to finally use it. "This is my red period."

Dutcher's movies have been shown in LDS seminary classes, but it's doubtful many bishops will be clamoring for Falling. And that seems fine with Dutcher.

"This is not a Mormon movie," he said. Later he added, he made this one for himself.

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