IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE (2016) *** ½

Ti (The House of the Devil) West has proven to be one of the more dependable horror directors of the modern era.  What he hasn’t told us is that underneath it all, there’s a damned fine western director trying to get out.  Not only is In a Valley of Violence an important stepping stone in West’s career, it’s also one of the best westerns of the decade.

West’s other films proudly announce themselves as unapologetic genre films right from the opening credits.  In a Valley of Violence is no different.  The title sequence is a loving homage to Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy and it works as a tribute to the genre while at the same time being a wonderful example of it. 

The plot is a bit one-dimensional, but it’s the purity of the set-up that gives the film its drive.  Ethan Hawke rides into a small border town with his dog in tow and is immediately hassled by a big mouth deputy (James Ransone) who goads him into a fight.  Hawke, naturally, knocks him out with one punch.  Since the asshole is the son of the marshal (John Travolta), he goes to pay him a visit.  He can tell right away Hawke isn’t a man to be trifled with, so he asks him nicely to leave town and gives his word his son won’t cause any more trouble.  Predictably, Ransone doesn’t listen and he hunts Hawke down, kills his dog, and leaves him for dead.

I’m sure you can guess what happens next.  Hawke survives and comes back into town seeking revenge.  Yes, this might sound like For a Few John Wicks More, but that is precisely what makes it so awesome.  Both John Wick and In a Valley of Violence are terrific revenge pictures that hit almost identical notes (right down to the fact that the father of the man who murdered the hero’s dog knows his son fucked up, but still stands by his side because they’re blood).  Since they are given different genre settings, they both feel fresh and exciting, even if their plots are simple and straightforward.

Hawke has gone from indie darling to B movie legend in recent years and his performance in this helps to cement his reputation.  He’s even better here than he was in The Magnificent Seven, and I for one hope he stars in more oaters as time goes on.  Karen Gillan is given the thankless job as the bad guy’s fiancée, but she nevertheless is a joy to watch whenever she comes on screen.  Some of Ransone’s dialogue and mannerisms seem a bit too modern day in the western setting, but he nevertheless makes for an intimidating villain.

It’s Travolta though who really crackles.  Although his screen time is limited, he delivers one of his all-time best villain roles.  Walking with a wooden leg, sporting a salt and pepper beard, and almost purring his lines in a smooth southern drawl, Travolta seems to be relishing the opportunity to play a western heavy.  I’d love for him to take on more of these character actor-type of roles because they fit him like a glove.