Valley of the Gods

Its pretty confusing and jumps about a bit, but here is what I think its about. Its an arthouse lesson on the uselessness & meaninglessness of modern Western life, as compared with a more spiritual existence lived(or suposedly) by the original inhabitants of America, with a bit of gratuitous arty opulance thrown in. Does it hit any of its marks - NO Is it worth a watch? put it on if you are doing something else and want background visuals. Music - 2/10 Camera work - 5/10 Acting - 4/10

What Alan Watts penned, 'The Game', what the Wachowski's call, 'The Matrix'. It's a hard idea to capture tangibley without producing something quite literal. This films seemingly separate narratives, forms an allegory in an attempt to capture this universal material. Any effort towards this material deserves acknowledgement.

God, that was boring They pretend to be new age or something but it's not, far from it It's pointless from start to end, there's nothing, emptiness all along I'm not sure how Malkovich was convinced, I know he must make a living too but I guess you must have had better opportunities than this one I started skipping through it half way, I couldn't stand it anymore I don't think the producer knew where he wanted to go with this one The screenplay is weak to say the least How could they convince the studios to shoot this one, I'm not sure But from now on, I'll always check the ratings, this one has 4 stars, I would give one at best

OK people, here it is...if you don't think this is worthy of recognition, you have lost your humanity. Film is a classic tale of why. Your life's story. And as with all our lives, it is not an adventure, but disjointed fairy sequins of day to day existence. ie, got up, had coffee, got gas, had some food, freaked out about whatever, went to work: and not necessarily in that order. This is a movie to activate dormant parts of your brain, giving you the power to see around corners, live in your fantasy, dream about the Other road, Regret. Every second counts. Your last minute alive. Details so clear, tumble in all direction, no gravity, no pull toward against, just the light and darkness while stuck in the middle of nowhere. A perfect film for times like now.

"Entwines Navajo lore with a reclusive trillionaire and his would-be biographer, creating a fascinating, mysterious and idiosyncratic vision of America." Alternative take: ,,,creating a montage of beautiful, enigmatic scenes layered in Navajo mumbo jumbo and pretentious philosophical affectations. I watched the whole thing. It took several stops and restarts because I had to stop and look around for my interest in it. Allegories abound, either far too abstract for me or so simple I resent making the trip, despite the very high quality of the production and the exquisite settings and scenery. I'm perfectly comfortable if this is a 'sour grapes' response.

I was utterly engaged by every second of it as well. Most people seem to overthink this; the first 3 minutes tells you exactly what is happening- a grieving man goes into the desert to write. Think Terry Gilliam. There you go. Not for everyone. Next time, I'll scare up some gummies and a glass of wine. Of course I'll watch it again.