In the mid-’90s,Quentin Tarantinoredefined thecrime genrewith an eclectic mix of colorful characters, shocking violence, and hip dialogue withPulp Fiction. As a result, major Hollywood studios were eager to cash in on dark but whimsical ensemble pictures, hoping to turn Tarantino’s formula into a recipe for success both financially and culturally.John Herzfeld’s2 Days in the Valleywas one of those films that tried to capitalize on the new cinematic craze, with mixed results.
As a dark comedy withneo-noirelements,2 Days in the Valleyattempts to pull together a string of various Los Angeles personalities within the context of a botched contract kill. The narrative is a whirlwind of perspectives, featuring veteran character actorsDanny Aiello,Marsha Mason, andPaul MazurskyalongsideTeri Hatcher,James Spader, andJeff Daniels. While the film lacks a consistent tone in the multiple subplots and characters within the larger tale, it features several standout performances, includinga then-unknown model-turned-actress namedCharlize Theron.
What Is ‘2 Days in the Valley’ About?
The story kicks off in the hills of San Fernando Valley where mafia restaurant owner Dosmo Pizzo (Aiello) works with sociopathic killer Lee Woods (Spader) to take out the ex-husband of a former Olympian Becky Foxx (Hatcher). Upon learning that the job was not due to the ex’s gambling debt, Pizzo is gunned down and almost blown up in a car by Woods as part of the larger plan for the aging killer to take the fall. Surviving with a bulletproof vest, Pizzo takes refuge in the home of a kidney stone-ridden art dealer and takes multiple hostages including the dealer’s insecure assistant (Glenne Headly), his half-sister nurse (Mason), and the nurse’s new friend (Mazursky) who happens to be a suicidal television director.
Meanwhile, Foxx, having been knocked out from the kill, stumbles upon a temperamental veteran cop, Strayer (Daniels), and his younger partner Taylor (Eric Stoltz). While the experienced Stayer has his mind more on his personal issues affecting work, Taylor suspects Foxx has a lot to hide regarding the killings. Soon it’s revealed that Foxx orchestrated the hit and subsequently becomes the target of Woods and his Norwegian girlfriend Helga (Theron).
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‘2 Days in the Valley’ Has a Strange Mix of Comedy and Brutal Violence
The murder plot in2 Days in the Valleyslowly fades into the background as the film progresses. Between Dosmo’s failure to complete the hit himself and Taylor’s eagerness to get a murder case after years of bouncing in multiple police divisions,2 Days in the Valleyevolves into an epic character study about people who never reached their potential. It’s full of the interesting character relationship dynamics ofRobert Altman’sShort Cutswhile depicting a chaotic environment full of violence and deception reminiscent ofTarantino’s work. At the time of its release, legendary criticRoger Ebertpraised the film for the “ingenious” way it took the random character subplots and brought them together by the third act.
The fatal flaw of the film is how unevenly Herzfeld’s direction plays out.2 Days in the Valleyconstantly has sharp tonal shifts from a mean-spirited crime drama to Altman-esque high-brow comedy. The opening sequence alone goes from the tension-filled moment of Hatcher’s ex about to meet his end at the hands of Spader to the slapstick comedic scene of an art dealer struggling with his kidney stone ailment in the middle of Hollywood. As hard as the film tries to interweave the subplots, most of the character arcs never reach a satisfying conclusion. Save for Aiello’s culinary-loving killer and Mazursky’s director, other characters like Hatcher’s Olympian and Daniels’ angry cop disappear from the picture without any real closure.
Charlize Theron Made Her Film Debut in ‘2 Days in the Valley'
The biggest standout inValley’s ensemble cast is Theron in her motion picture debut. Reminiscing about her experience during the film’s20th anniversary screeningin 2016, the then 19-year-old was new to the industry when she landed the role of Helga as her third audition in Hollywood. Theron made an impressionable on-screen presence reminiscent ofSharon Stone’s breakout role inBasic Instinct.
Theron’s dedication to the Helga role was evident in her big hotel room brawl scene with Hatcher. Showing that she was not afraid to get down and dirty, Theron got so into the moment thatshe landed a real punch to Hatcher’s face. She described toW magazinethat she saw herself in the scene as “a wild animal” and recalled the accident as a result of her lack of acting experience. In the years since Theron apologized to Hatcher buying her beer, she has emerged as a popular action star in movies such asAtomic BlondeandThe Old Guard.
For a Tarantino knock-off,2 Days in the Valleyis full of fun performances and relatable dark humor that makes it passable popcorn entertainment. Much of the best moments come from Aiello and Mazursky’s interactions in the art dealer’s house as well as the chemistry between Spader and Theron. Despite its tonal issues, the film manages one of the better mid-level ensemble crime dramas of the ‘90s.
2 Days In The Valley
