Down in the Valley

2005
15
1h 48m

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

19K

YOUR RATING

Edward Norton and Evan Rachel Wood in Down in the Valley (2005)

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Watch Down in the Valley

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78 Photos

Contemporary Western Drama Romance Thriller

Set in the present-day San Fernando Valley, the project revolves around a delusional man who believes he's a cowboy and the relationship that he starts with a rebellious young woman.Set in the present-day San Fernando Valley, the project revolves around a delusional man who believes he's a cowboy and the relationship that he starts with a rebellious young woman.Set in the present-day San Fernando Valley, the project revolves around a delusional man who believes he's a cowboy and the relationship that he starts with a rebellious young woman.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.4/10

19K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination

Videos5

Clip 1:04

Down in the Valley

Clip 1:06

Down In The Valley Scene: Yeah, He's Real

Clip 1:39

Down In The Valley Scene: I Met Him At The Beach

Clip 1:20

Down In The Valley Scene: Things Have A Purpose

Photos78

+ 72

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
There are at least two different versions of the film, with scenes either missing or added and different takes of key moments. The rarer 105-minute cut shortens many scenes but includes a missing scene between Harlan and Lonnie. Indeed, several of the escape scenes are different and in some cases reflect differently on Harlan's character. The sound mix is also different, with "Lean On Me Gently" as the credits song instead of Mazzy Star's "Look On Down From the Bridge."

Goofs
When Lonnie shows Harlan his father's military medals, the second-highest gallantry award of both the Navy (the Navy Cross) and the Army (the Distinguished Service Cross) can be seen. It would be almost impossible for a member of either service branch to win the equivalent medal from the other service.

Quotes
Harlan: I've tried living down in the valley again, really tried this time. Walked up and down it looking for one open face, but most people I've meet hardly seem like human beings to me anymore.

Alternate versions
According to the Technical Specifications link for this page on IMDB, there are four different versions of this film: 1 hr 48 min (108 min), 1 hr 52 min (112 min) (Japan), 1 hr 54 min (114 min) (USA), and 1 hr 54 min (114 min) (Argentina).

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: Mission Impossible III/Hoot/Down in the Valley/An American Haunting/Killer Diller/The Proposition (2006)

Soundtracks
Fly Sparrow Fly
Written and Performed by Peter Salett

User reviews117

Review

Featured review

8/10

Norton at what he does best--inhabiting his character

The film's first 45 minutes to an hour are slow, but not without purpose. It sets the stage, allowing Norton to do what he's done well throughout his career; he outlines, builds, defines, and justifies his character's actions, thereby resulting in another intense yet effortless and simply riveting performance. Norton, IMHO, is likely to be doing this same thing three decades from now. He may well be the American Michael Caine, moving between leading man and scene stealing supporting actor in film after film and at a performance level that rarely dips below "spot on."

Evan Rachel Wood, while hardly stretching beyond her petulant, teen rebel persona, does a very credible job, as does Rory Culkin as Wood's younger brother. David Morse, as brooding, explosive, and understated as ever, is solid in his role as Wood's somewhat predictable, but no less authentic father.

This is a clever, crafted, and satisfying film that delivers. Again, it takes a while to get started, but it proves its mettle.