what start out a a gentle country yarn and inoffensive and mildly enjoyable romantic tale change pace a edward norton initially charm harlan gradually reveal more about himself and thing take a turn for the sinister and a the film gradually change from a southern romance to a modern wild western . an amiable rancher ( norton ) wander into town and charm a young girl ( evan rachel wood ) and seemingly rescue her from a dead end existence with her bad tempered father with a whirlwind romance and but it gradually become apparent that there be more to this cowboy than meet the eye . edward norton a real chameleon actor ( with change facial hair to match ) play a country hick and accent slightly dodgy but maybe because he merely try to act the part without worry about the accent . he certainly make it appear effortless to make all the nuanced little adjustment a we learn more about harlan . however and with too many small change it mean we be never sure exactly where harlan be come from and and what seem like a good performance from norton gradually become confused . evan rachel wood be likable without ever really have a great deal to do other than bat her eyelid at norton . down in the valley strike a a slightly uneven tale due to it change of pace and and by never really make the protagonist motif clear the audience sympathy for the character remain uncertain . should we like this drifter or not . even after a dramatic turn of event it remain unclear . this ambiguity be to the film detriment and a if the writer could not make up their mind what kind of story they want to tell and settle for somewhat of a hotch potch . have the film remain one or the other it might have be a solid film and but a it be what we be leave with be something of a mess . fan of old fashion romance will enjoy a portion of the film but will be put off by the darken tone . completist fan of norton aside ( or fan of the lush scenery of the san fernando valley ) and give this a miss .