2 Days in the Valley (1996)

Director:

John Herzfeld

Writer (WGA):

John Herzfeld (written by)

Release Date:

27 September 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

You have one minute to decide the rest of your life.

Plot:

48 hours of intersecting lives and crimes in Los Angeles.

Plot Keywords:

Racism | Suicide Attempt | Psychopath | Wealthy | Trophy

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Danny Aiello	...	Dosmo Pizzo
Greg Cruttwell	...	Allan Hopper
Jeff Daniels	...	Alvin Strayer
Teri Hatcher	...	Becky Foxx
Glenne Headly	...	Susan Parish
Peter Horton	...	Roy Foxx
Marsha Mason	...	Audrey Hopper
Paul Mazursky	...	Teddy Peppers
James Spader	...	Lee Woods
Eric Stoltz	...	Wes Taylor
Charlize Theron	...	Helga Svelgen
Keith Carradine	...	Detective Creighton
Louise Fletcher	...	Evelyn
Austin Pendleton	...	Ralph Crupi
Kathleen Luong	...	Midori

Also Known As:

Two Days in the Valley (UK) (alternative spelling)

MPAA:

Rated R for violence, sexuality, and language.

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Vietnamese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS

Certification:

Netherlands:12 (VHS/DVD rating) | Netherlands:16 (original rating) | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Belgium:KNT | Germany:16 | Portugal:M/16 (video premiere) | Spain:18 | UK:18 | USA:R | Singapore:R(A) | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Rysher Entertainment

Trivia:

The part of Helga Svelgen was original written for Daphne Deckers. But at that time she had other contracts and the part went to Charlize Theron.

Goofs:

Continuity: After the "Good Samaritan" pockets Allan's wallet and drives him away, and the owner of the car he's stolen runs out, Allan's wallet is seen lying on the street.

Quotes:

Wes Taylor: Alvin, can I ask you a question?
Alvin Strayer: I hate it when people ask if they can ask a question. Just ask it!

Movie Connections:

References Do the Right Thing (1989)

Soundtrack:

Nobody Knows Me

Too much fun to miss

In addition to the clever plot and delicious acting you get to see very early work by Charlize Theron and James Spader, either of which is worth your time. All of the characters are full-fledged characters, with not a weak link in the chain; and those playing those characters all make the best of it. It's a true ensemble cast, with no one -- with the possible exception of Spader, having a lead role. The story is full of twists, surprises and turnabouts enough to flesh out two or three movies. You can tell that all of these fine actors are enjoying playing the quirky characters we are presented with to make this a true fun romp.