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Overview

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Down in the Valley, 2005

Starring: Edward Norton, Evan Rachel Wood, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn

Directed by: David Jacobson

Written by: David Jacobson

Language: English

Country: USA

Runtime: 112 min

MPAA Rating: R

Rating:6.5

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Profile of Down in the Valley

Down in the Valley can be described as gloomy, atmospheric, and captivating. The plot revolves around a losing-it hero, mental instability, and an unlikely couple. The main genres are drama and independent. In terms of style, Down in the Valley is a melodrama. In approach, it is serious and realistic. It is set, at least in part, in the suburbs. Down in the Valley is located in California. It takes place in contemporary times. The movie has received attention for being an award winner.

Summary of Down in the Valley

Director David Jacobsen's DOWN IN THE VALLEY plays like a romantic, operatic lament for the disappearing cinematic and real-life icon: the American cowboy. Many of the elements that would fuse, say, a classic John Wayne character are present in Edward Norton's (PRIMAL FEAR, 25TH HOUR) character, Harlan Fairfax Caruthers: he's polite, soft-spoken, yet stubbornly brave and handy with Colt steel and lead. While at home in Death Valley in the mid 1800s, these characteristics are positively anachronistic in modern-day San Fernando Valley. How else to explain the reaction of a gaggle of giggling teenagers to Harlan as he pumps their gas? One of the teens, Tope (Evan Rachel Wood), is immediately attracted to these charms and invites Harlan along to the beach. A whirlwind romance follows, much to the chagrin of Tope's (short for October) father, Wade (David Morse), who senses there is more to Harlan than meets the eye. Indeed, things begin to unravel when Harlan lies about "borrowing" a horse from a local rancher that leads to a threat at gunpoint. To make matters worse, Harlan ingratiates himself more by spending time with Tope's attention-starved younger brother, Lonnie (Rory Culkin). Eventually, as more of the dangerous demons beneath Harlan's charming veneer reveal themselves, action must be taken and justice meted out, Old West-style. At times tense and, alternatively, quiet, DOWN IN THE VALLEY features some creative camera work from cinematographer Enrique Chediak that fits both moods. Also, be on the look-out for a scene-long quotation from TAXI DRIVER.

Details

Language:	English
Country:	USA
Release date:	16 June 2005
Runtime:	112 min

Cast and Crew See all

Edward Norton

as Harlan

Evan Rachel Wood

as Tobe

Bruce Dern

as Charlie

Ellen Burstyn

Photos See all

Evan Rachel Wood and Edward Norton in ThinkFilm's Down in Down in the Valley (2005)

Edward Norton and Rory Culkin in ThinkFilm's Down in Down in the Valley (2005)

Evan Rachel Wood and Edward Norton in ThinkFilm's Down in Down in the Valley (2005)

David Morse in ThinkFilm's Down in Down in the Valley (2005)

Clips See all

Down in the Valley: Home Video

Down in the Valley: Official Trailer

Down in the Valley: Things Have a Purpose

Down in the Valley: Yeah, He's Real

Critics Reviews See all

Washington Post

Down in the Valley is exactly what we don't have enough of: It's singular, unusual, unexpected, fresh and familiar at once. Full Review

|
by: Stephen Hunter

Rolling Stone

Down in the Valley is a wild thing that sticks with you long after it's over. You know, a real movie. Full Review

|
by: Peter Travers

Users Reviews See all

Another tremendous, nuanced, unique performance from Edward Norton, in a heartbreaking, gritty screenplay filmed with panache and a sense of grandeur. David Morse reminds us of the shame it is that he's not a bona-fide movie star, and Evan Rachel... Read and rate it

20.March.2009
|
by: sethdellinger
sethdellinger rated this movie0/10

Down in the Valley is OK but I think the director cant make up his mind whether the Ed Norton character is a John Wayne -- a straight shooter, the last repository of Western values -- or a psycho-killer. He cant be both; only in Hollywood is that... Read and rate it

19.March.2009
|
by: Vic
Vic rated this movie6/10Okay

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