2 Days in the Valley

2 Days in the Valley

Year: 1996

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: John Herzfeld

ThrillerComedyCrime

In this gritty thriller, ordinary guy Dosmo Pizzo finds himself entangled in a deadly game of betrayal and deception after a botched murder-for-hire scheme. As he fights for survival, he takes two unlikely hostages - an obnoxious art dealer and his level-headed assistant - and sparks a desperate cat-and-mouse chase with the cunning Lee Woods.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – 2 Days in the Valley (1996)
Explore the full timeline and setting of 2 Days in the Valley (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of urban life. Events unfold over a short time span, emphasizing the urgency and chaos surrounding the characters' decisions and actions.

Location

San Fernando Valley, Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles

The San Fernando Valley is a populous region in Los Angeles County, known for its suburban communities, entertainment industry affiliations, and scenic hills. Mulholland Drive is a famous road offering panoramic views of Los Angeles, frequently associated with Hollywood's allure and dark secrets.

🌆 City 🏞️ Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

Main Characters – 2 Days in the Valley (1996)
Meet the key characters of 2 Days in the Valley (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lee Woods (James Spader)

Lee Woods is a cold and calculating hitman who exhibits a ruthless demeanor. His actions reveal a lack of empathy as he coldly executes a plan that spirals out of control, leading to a violent betrayal of his partner in crime.

🔪 Killer 😈 Manipulative

Dosmo Pizzo (Danny Aiello)

Dosmo Pizzo is a hitman with a mix of loyalty and vulnerability. Although betrayed, his resilience shines through as he survives the attack, showcasing a depth of character that evolves throughout the tense events.

👮‍♂️ Survivor 💔 Betrayed

Becky Foxx (Teri Hatcher)

Becky Foxx is portrayed as a complex character who orchestrates her husband's murder. Her actions stem from desperation, revealing the dark lengths to which she will go for freedom and self-interest.

😈 Deceitful 💔 Betrayer

Teddy Peppers (Jeff Daniels)

Teddy Peppers is a troubled TV producer who embodies a sense of desperation. His unexpected shift from self-reflection to decisive action highlights themes of redemption and change within chaotic circumstances.

🔄 Redeemer 🎬 Producer

Helga Svelgen (Charlize Theron)

Helga Svelgen is Lee's Swedish girlfriend, portrayed as caught in the turmoil of the unfolding chaos. Her character adds depth to the emotional stakes as she struggles between love and survival.

💔 Torn 🇸🇪 Foreign

Alvin Strayer (Not specified)

Alvin Strayer is a veteran detective with a jaded outlook, navigating the chaotic crime scene. His experience provides a counterbalance to the impulsiveness of younger officers, depicting the impact of prolonged exposure to violence.

🔍 Investigator 👮‍♂️ Veteran

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

Major Themes – 2 Days in the Valley (1996)
Explore the central themes of 2 Days in the Valley (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme in the film, as characters deceive each other for personal gain. Lee's betrayal of Dosmo culminates in a violent confrontation, showcasing how trust can swiftly turn into treachery, leading to devastating consequences.

🔫 Violence

Violence permeates the narrative, serving as a catalyst for the story's events. From the chilling assassination of Roy to brutal confrontations, the film highlights the destructive power of aggressive actions and the unforeseen aftermath they can invoke.

🕵️ Deception

Deception plays a critical role in the film, particularly with Becky orchestrating Roy's murder under false pretenses. The layers of lies and hidden motives unravel throughout the story, illustrating how easily appearances can be manipulated in pursuit of darker desires.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:09

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