Valley of the Gods

Valley of the Gods (2019). Josh Hartnett and John Malkovich star in this off-beat allegorical film directed by Polish director Lech Majewski. Likely filmed partly on location in Monument Valley, Utah. The movie echoes the stark Melancholia (2011) artistic style. Relatively hard to follow for those who prefer their movies straight forward and literally interpreted, Valley of the Gods is deliberately photographed with a beautiful and lush palette as a major backdrop. The storyline however is obtuse and surrealistic and becomes more of mood piece with inductive scenes that necessarily require flexible and adaptative mental osmosis where the mind brings together the slow paced pieces of an eclectic plot known mostly in the imagination of the director. If one can bring oneself to watch one of the worst movies in a number of ways, The Loneliest Planet (2011), however, Valley of the Gods could actually be a rather stimulating and creatively intriguing experience. Definitely not for everybody. It is watchable and preferably with a sense of patient wonder and a love of nature.

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.

"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.

Even though this movie didn't make any sense it was a decent watch because of the visuals and acting.