Netflix Reviews: Down in the Valley (2006)

Eh. I have mixed feelings.

Harlan (Edward Norton) is a cowboy from South Dakota who now lives in the San Fernando valley. He then hooks up with a high school girl, who has a really big asshole for a dad. Then (whoopsadaisie!) it turns out Norton has a touch of the crazy. A little Taxi Driver-esque.

Hm.

It’s challenging, I’ll say that. It can be very slow (and I like have a lot more patience for slow films than most), and it feels… lonely. It’s very quiet and uncomfortable, with no discernible heroes or villains. It’s almost too much to throw at you at once while you’re watching. In fact, mulling over this movie is more enjoyable than the actual watching experience.

But even though it’s hard, it’s got a lot going for it. The dialogue is smart and very real, and there are some gorgeous scenes. I think the last 15 minutes or so are pretty much close to perfect. Beautifully shot, full of meaning, splendidly acted.

Evan Rachael Wood is a fantastic young actress, though I’ve seen her in, um, NOTHING else (plus isn’t she Marilyn Manson’s girlfriend? Gross.). It was a pretty ballsy move casting an ACTUAL 17 year old as a 17 year old, especially in a heavy movie like this. She’s every inch the modern-day Lolita, and that girl works it. She holds her own for the most part, and if she gets lost in the shuffle, well, she is playing opposite Ed Norton, who gives one of his finest performances here.

Edward Norton is so damn fantastic. He’s got enough movie star charisma to make him stand out, but I’m never constantly reminded that “this is Edward Norton, I am acting RIGHT NOW.” He disappears like a character actor, and I love that. Watching Harlan’s descent into madness and further delusion was… beyond amazing. Even at his worst, there was nothing but love and empathy for him. That’s a damn good actor. One of the best performances I’ve seen lately.

To be honest, if Norton hadn’t been in it… meh. Who cares. But I love love love him. He’s one of my favorite actors working today, and I’m willing to pay money to see anything he’s in.

So.

See it? I don’t know.

I liked it.

But… Don’t hate me if you don’t.