Down in the Valley (DVD, 2006, Spanish Subtitles Box Art)

Two time Oscar Nominee Edward Norton (Primal Fear, American History X)stars in Down in the Valley, an offbeat tale of a dreamer/drifter that finds unexpected romance in southern california. Norton plays Harlan Carruthers, a would-be cowboy lost within his fantasies of gunfights and gunslingers of the old west. While working at a gas station, Harlan meets underage Tobe, well played by Evan Rachel Wood. The two begin a fated romance despite the pleadings of her father, strongly played by David Morse.

The acting in this movie is excellent throughout. The story line is original and yet somehow something is missing in this urban tale. Norton's character is obviously over 30 and his age is never mentioned in connection with his underage girlfriend. I found this very odd. Certainly her father would bring this subject to the forefront of their discussions, as well as her teenaged friends. But no mention is ever made of the fact in the movie.

The viewer is taunted with hints that Harlan is a grifter with a cunning scheme in play and yet, in the end, the audience is left with perplexing questions as to Harlan's motivations and strange choices. Well Directed by David Jacobsen, this DVD is worth watching with some innovative film techniques.

Down in the Valley is a good choice for offbeat film lovers. To my mind, a few changes in the script would have made for a better film. Still a good DVD choice for a quiet night.