Compelling Down In The Valley From Another Era

     Down In The Valley is an example of how quickly the mood and storyline of a motion picture can shift. Just when an established atmosphere becomes comfortable, one unexpected event alters the entire outlook of the characters. This event can be the deal breaker for some moviegoers but its power makes the movie a piece of compelling entertainment.

     Down In The Valley begins with Tobe, a rebellious young woman played by Evan Rachel Wood. Tobe is on her way to the beach with her friends when they stop to fill up their car with gasoline. The cowboy hat clad attendant, played by Edward Norton, is magnetized toward Tobe, who, in turn, is intrigued by the man who introduces himself as Harlan. Tobe invites Harlan to accompany her to the beach, to which he claims he has never been. Harlan quits his job and agrees to Tobe’s invitation.

     The two begin a romantic relationship, much to the consternation of Tobe’s father Wade, played by David Morse. Harlan remains on his best behavior, though, treating Tobe “the proper way.” Harlan even makes friends with Tobe’s younger brother Lonny, played by Rory Culkin. Eventually, Harlan offers Tobe and Lonny a way out of their restrictive father’s home.

     What becomes of these folks midway through the flick is best left a surprise. The thing that remains constant, though, weaving the two halves together, is the remarkable acting. Norton gives one of the best performances of his career as the mysteriously fascinating Harlan. He embodies the best human traits while remaining significantly offbeat enough to warrant discretion.

     At times, it appears as though the character of Harlan believes he lives in simpler time. That very well may be the case but we can only speculate since the feature film presents more questions than it does answers. This is the flick’s biggest weakness since the audience is left relatively unsatisfied when the end credits start to roll.

     Morse is also potent in Down In The Valley. He plays the overprotective father figure very well yet the audience, much like Wade’s kids, is able to detest him as a result of Harlan’s likeability. Wood and Culkin do fabulous jobs as well. This is just one more independent film for the two (stars of Thirteen and The Chumscrubber, respectively) launching their careers in serious cinema.

     The slow-moving story of Down In The Valley leaves a great deal of responsibility on the actors and they are able to pull it off without any hitches. Speaking of the story, the whole movie feels somewhat antiquated. Everything from the beautiful settings to the ballad-filled soundtrack gives off the feeling of an older flick.

     One from a completely different era. And then the era turns.