No, Falling Down(1993) is not based on a true story. It is a fictional film that explores the themes of psychological decay, social alienation, and economic hardship. The film's writer, Ebbe Roe Smith, said that he was inspired by his own experiences of living in Los Angeles and witnessing the city's problems, such as crime, poverty, pollution, and traffic. He also said that he wanted to create a character who was a "normal person" who snaps under pressure, rather than a stereotypical villain or hero. The film's director, Joel Schumacher, said that he was attracted to the script because it was a "provocative social drama" that challenged the audience to empathize with a complex and flawed protagonist. He also said that he did not intend the film to be a political statement or a commentary on any specific group or issue.