Urban cowboy

jotix100

Something indicates from the start that Harlan, the intense young cowboy we first meet walking along the Los Angeles highways, is not all what he appears to be. Perhaps there is something in the way he quickly accepts Tobe's invitation to take him to the beach, when she lays eyes on him at the gas station where he is working. Harlan and Tobe will probe they are bad for one another and the impact it will bring to her family.

We realize Tobe and Lonnie, the younger brother, have a peculiar relationship. Lonnie, is a lonely boy who doesn't appear to fit anywhere; Tobe, on the other hand, has a lot of friends. Their police father, Wade, is a caring, but somewhat distant parent. Instead of paying more attention to Tobe and Lonnie, Wade is involved in his own relationship with a woman we don't fully see, but one that he brings home. Wade is not setting the best example either.

Into this mix enters Harlan. He falls in love hard with the beautiful Tobe, who evidently feels attracted and flattered, at the same time. The combination of these two will prove to be fatal. Harlan is a delusional young man who is obviously not dealing with a full deck, as shown during his time alone in his apartment where he studies himself being a real cowboy in the full length mirror.

To make matters worse, Harlan loves to go to nearby farms and "borrow" horses to ride in the suburban lots near the big city. Harlan decides to take Lonnie, the impressionable young man, under his wing. This only could point to problems down the road for the boy who instead of seeing his father as a role model picks Harlan to be his mentor.

David Jacobson, the talented writer/director of "Dahmer" and "Criminal", knows what he wants. With this new film, he shows he is not afraid to tackle subjects that no others dare to. His characters are always in conflict, as it's the case with Harlan. The film is a sad commentary on our society where children of single parents seem to grow without direction, thus being targets for stronger personalities, like Harlan, who will lead them to do things they would not otherwise do if a strong parent would be in charge.

Edward Norton is at his most intense in his clever portrayal of Harlan. This actor never cease to amaze. Mr. Norton has the distinction of not repeating himself as he goes from role to role. The sure hand of Mr. Jacobson guiding the performance shows a winning combination. Evan Rachel Wood, who we had admired in "Thirteen", does some excellent job in creating Tobe. Rory Culkin equally surprises for his take on the insecure Lonnie, a boy who feels flattered when Harlan gives him the confidence he never had. David Morse, one of the best actors around of stage, or screen, puts an appearance as Wade, the father of the two teens that rebel against his authority. Bruce Dern is also seen in a minor role.

"Down in the Valley" could have used a bit of editing, but other than that, Mr. Jacobson's film shows a rich texture from a man that doesn't fail to deliver.

score 8/10

jotix100 25 May 2006

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1376719/