2 Days In The Valley (1996)

on the knife edge of realism and comedy

This is one of the films that you either get or don't. In my view, it is extremely successful in creating an atmosphere all its own, much like magical realism but about gangsters and difficult, outrageously ambitious, but frustrated people. The plot is a contract killing that leads to, shall we say, unforeseen complications that cause a number of lives to intersect and change. What is so funny and moving about the film is that you can believe it, at least while you are watching it.

Then there is the acting, which is uniformly excellent. Of course, there is the introduction of Charlize Theron, whose talent is evident from the beginning; her murderous fist fight with Hatcher is classic. But the emotional center of the film is Aiello, who is a failed hit-man-turned-pizza chef, trying to get back in the money. All of the characters change during the film, making new connections, seeing their lives differently, finally going for it. This is truly masterful and it is a pity it does not have a wider audience.

Warmly recommended. March 9, 2008

2 days in the Valley

My husban and I enjoyed this picture. Very glad the we bought it.
D Holbrook March 2, 2008

Great Price for used dvds.

Awesome movie! I gave it four stars because it reminds me sort of like pulp fiction. Great plot to the story line would most definitly recommend people to buy this film! November 22, 2007

Captures the Essence of the Valley

I loved this movie not for the plot or the familiar landmarks, but for nailing the essence of the valley - a place where people from all walks of life come together, all of them strange. The scene in the park where the failed movie producer runs into an old colleague happens all the time. The SFV tried to secede from LA not too long ago, but in fact it left the planet long before that. It's a place of has-beens and never-was's, of second chances and not quite getting there. For example, in the movie, the big score was $30,000 plus life insurance, not the millions in jewels people normally kill for. The only cop who tries to do it by the book is later kicked off the force for being deranged. I happen to like it here, I guess that says something about me, and I think the movie captures the campy quirkiness of the place perfectly, right down to the air conditioner breaking on the hottest day of the year. September 5, 2007

Over-the-Top Parody of Crime Film Archetypes & Los Angeles Culture.

"2 Days in the Valley" is a comedic crime flick that follows the tortuous entanglements of 10 Los Angelinos who, in the space of 2 days, are inadvertently brought together by a murder-for-profit plot. Sangfroid Lee (James Spader) hires has-been hit man Dosmo (Danny Aiello) to assist in a murder, with plans to dispose of Dosmo afterward and collect on an insurance payoff with his bombshell partner in crime Helga (Charlize Theron). Meanwhile, a failed film director at the end of his tether, Teddy (Paul Mazursky) stumbles upon a kindly nurse named Audrey (Marsha Mason) as he looks for someone to adopt his dog before he commits suicide. Audrey's obnoxious art dealer brother Allan (Greg Cruttwell) and his mousy personal assistant Susan (Glenn Headly) are held hostage by Dosmo as he evades Lee. And burned-out cop Alvin (Jeff Daniels) and his ambitious partner Wes (Eric Stoltz) come upon the murder scene while cruising to bust massage parlors.

"2 Days in the Valley" isn't what I would normally call a "black comedy". This movie makes fun of murder, sociopaths, police, and misery in general. But it's not subtle or clever. It's an over-the-top parody of crime film archetypes and Hollywood players. It's often too simplistic and in-your-face for my taste, but it has some funny moments. Some members of the audience will undoubtedly enjoy the knock-down drag-out brawl between Teri Hatcher and Charlize Theron, as Becky and Helga. But you have to like your catfights very stagey. If you're looking for something light and overstated, "2 Days in the Valley" might fit the bill. The DVD (HBO 1997) includes a trailer (3 min) and text bios and filmographies for 11 cast members and writer/director John Herzfeld. Subtitles are available in English, French, and Spanish. Dubbing available in French. May 11, 2007

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