“2 Days in the Valley” is another underrated neo-noir from the late ’90s. With screenplay and direction by John Herzfeld, the movie packs a fast-paced, riveting plot, numerous twists, and an outstanding ensemble cast. The movie is set in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.

The term “hyperlink movie,” created by non-fiction author Alissa Quart and popularized by Roger Ebert, is used to describe movies with a non-linear plot, featuring many narratives, all somehow related by a common theme. “2 Days in the Valley” is one such movie. Released two years after Quentin Tarantino’s classic “Pulp Fiction,” this movie may well be christened “Pulp Fiction Lite.” While the plot does not have as many gangsters, as much violence, or Tarantino’s staple non-sequitur dialogue like “Pulp Fiction,” this movie holds its own with its interesting characters, plot twists, and humor. Its takeaway message is also similar to the “crime and retribution” theme of “Pulp Fiction.”

Among the characters are an assassin, Lee Woods (Danny Aiello), and a ruthless gangster, Dosmo Pizzo (James Spader). This duo is planning a hit on Roy Foxx (Peter Horton), the former husband of Olympic skier Becky (Teri Hatcher). While Lee wants to back out and quit the life of crime, Roy will have none of it. Using threats, Roy persuades Lee to accompany him on the mission.

Elsewhere, a broke, washed-out Hollywood writer, Teddy Peppers (Paul Mazursky), is contemplating suicide. Teddy decides that he must first find a good owner for his dog, Boggy (named after Humphrey Bogart).

Also in the mix are an affluent, arrogant, and rude British art collector, Allan Hopper (Greg Cruttwell), and his loyal secretary, Susan (Glenne Headly). After suffering unbearable pain from kidney stones, Allan summons his half-sister Audrey (Marsha Mason), who is a nurse, to take care of him.

Meanwhile, Lee Woods (Eric Stoltz), a mild-mannered cop, and his partner Alvin Strayer (Jeff Daniels), who has anger management issues, have been tasked with carrying out a sting on a Vietnamese massage parlor. Then there is Lee’s girlfriend, Helga Svelgen (Charlize Theron), who is planning to abscond with Lee once he has killed Roy and framed Lee.

Fate (the screenplay actually) conspires to intersect the lives of these and a few other different individuals, creating the most implausible, unpredictable, but immensely enjoyable tale of adventure, murder, love, betrayal, and romance. To say more would steal the experience of intrigue and unpredictability away from my readers. Unfortunately, this movie did not receive the recognition it deserves. It ends with a positive message that most people (give or take a few psychopathic killers and ego-rich egomaniacs) have empathy, love, and humanity, despite their imperfect personas. The whole movie is a riveting adventure from start to finish, packing in humor, excellent cinematography, and outstanding performances from its talented ensemble cast. It packs numerous noir elements like gangsters, crime, and has more than one femme fatale. Go ahead and watch this overlooked classic.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperlink_cinema