Down in the Valley (2005)

Absolutely the worst movie.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

(No spoilers) Pretty simple and somewhat predictable story, could be summed up in a couple sentences. Ed Norton is fantastic as always, Evan Rachel Wood is always good too. Supporting cast are great actors, but minimally featured, with the focus mostly on the main actors, especially Ed Norton's character. The scenery is beautifully filmed, and the camera work is top notch. For such a simple movie with a small cast, it just works. Definitely worth a watch. One of Ed Norton's lesser known features.

Review: This movie takes a while to get going and I did find it a bit of a drag in parts. The director wasted an hour at the beginning, on a weak love story and then it switches to a man on the run. From the beginning, the main character seemed a bit strange but the director doesn't really touch on his past. He just drifts along and struggles to live day to life for some unknown reason. Anyway, the acting was average and after the big build up, the showdown at the end was short-lived. Average!Round-Up: Edward Norton is another one of those actors that looked like he was going to have a promising career, but after some bad choices, his career hasn't been that great. From the disappointing Hulk to the average performance in the Bourne Legacy, he hasn't really touched the great performances in the Fight Club and American History X. I've always liked David Morse, but he always seems to act the same in all of his films. On the whole, this is one of those movies that won't really stick out in my head, but there are a couple of shocking moments that keep the movie slightly interesting.Budget: N/A Worldwide Gross: $1millionI recommend this movie to people who are into there deep dramas about a drifter who falls in love with a girl against the fathers wishes. 4/10

A beautiful movie, beautifully shot, leaving you with the memory of beautiful picture's. The story is not easy to digest, it leaves you puzzled, but that is not a bad thing, in my opinion. The acting of the protagonists is very fine.First of all Edward Norton and Rory Culkin. The magic between them is very rare in some scenes, especially in the first additional ending. Those additional endings, there are two of them on my DVD, could be seen as a flaw, but I found it something special,you could say that every piece of art that is rounded off is the death-mask of the conception, like Walter Benjamin once said.I am sure I will see this movie more than once.

Harlan (Edward Norton) is a mysterious loner living in San Fernando Valley. Harlan is completely obsessed with the ways of being a real cowboy. Then he finds romance unexpectedly with a rebellious teenager named Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood). Which Tobe shares some of the the same passion and someways they are both lost souls for different reasons. Tobe's overprotected father (David Morse) feels there's something truly strange about Harlan's seemingly good hearted behavior. He doesn't want Harlan to be around his daughter or his shy often scared teen son (Rory Culkin). Harlan finds himself in the middle of a nervous breakdown and he's also running from the law... after he accidentally shot Tobe. He kidnap's Tobe's brother. Harlan makes him believe that his father shot his sister. Now Wade will do everything to find his son before the situation gets worse.Written and Directed by David Jacobson (Dahmer) made an genuine well-made drama with an excellent performance by Norton. This independent film has strong supporting performances by Wood, Morse and Culkin. It's well shot in Widescreen by Cinematographer:Enrique Chediak (28 Weeks Later, The Faculty, Turistas) and the music by Peter Salett is fine also. This movie wasn't widely seen in theaters. But it should find itself an cult audiences on DVD.DVD has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD also includes Deleted Scenes, Filmmaker and Actor Q & A and the original theatrical trailer. I would have loved to hear an director's/actor's commentary but it is a shame, it doesn't have one. This might be forgotten in the independent world of cinema but it's a damn good movie. This should not be missed. Super 35. (**** 1/2 out of *****).