Down in the Valley

"Down in the Valley" is a reasonably satisfactory effort for an independent film & was worth the rental. It further cements my opinion that Edward Norton is capable of nearly anything as an actor, & I've grown to appreciate Evan Rachel Wood's abilities more as she's gotten older. David Morse is, as always, a force, & Rory Culkin plays his usual melancholy, "Wise beyond his years" persona well enough. Though they each have their dryer moments in the film, the performances from all were formidable, including a couple minuscule appearances from Geoffery Lewis & Bruce Dern.

The overall look of the film is not entirely unlikable, & the premise is admirable, though not completely focused, in either regard. There is an obvious attempt to lure the audience into a fantasized reality that is common in children & mental deviants, both of which this film supports, in abundance. I enjoyed the ideas behind the character interaction, though not necessarily their development. If the writer/director's intention was to try to combine the innocence of "Forrest Gump" & the penchant for gun play & pedophilia of "Taxi Driver", then I'd say he was fairly successful. However, if his intention was for the viewer to identify with any one of the film's characters, then I'm afraid he may need to work on that, or get out & meet different people

I give it a 6 out of 10 ranking, most of which is for the acting