Happy in the Valley (2009)

In the heart of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley thrives an off-kilter world, the backdrop to Lee Madsen's dark comedy, "Happy in the Valley". Enter Stewart Fox (William Forsythe), a once-celebrated photographer of rock-n-roll royalty, who has now plummeted into the realm of erotic photography, his self-proclaimed title of "world's greatest erotic photographer" echoing emptily with every utterance. His life, drenched in a cocktail of drugs and alcohol, has lost its sparkle, leaving him a shell of his former self, much to the dismay of his long-suffering wife, Donna (Ursula Brooks). Donna, weary yet hopeful, enlists the help of young art school student, Wade Ward (Shaun Sipos) to photograph Stewart for his autobiographical endeavor, optimistically titled "The World's Greatest Erotic Photographer, Ever!" Cash-strapped Wade reluctantly accepts, but as he depends more on Stewart for income, he finds himself entangled in a web of corruption and despair. Adding to the mix is Queenie (Zoë Hall), Stewart's latest model, a woman wrestling with her own inner demons, who unexpectedly captures Wade's heart. A string of colorful characters further fill the canvas, from a reclusive alcoholic neighbor (Dee Wallace) to a lonely detective (Lew Temple), and Stewart's lascivious assistant (Josh Marchette), all spinning in the vortex of Stewart's chaotic existence. "Happy in the Valley" is a riveting, yet darkly humorous exploration of the quest for fame and the ruinous effects of overexposure. As Stewart's world spirals towards a catastrophic climax, the promise of redemption lingers tantalizingly close, but it's clear it won't be the salvation for everyone. With an ensemble of complex characters and a potpourri of sordid stories, the film holds a mirror to the underbelly of the Valley, exposing the dark negatives that develop in the pursuit of limelight.

Happy in the Valley is a drama movie featuring William Forsythe.

It is possible to rent Happy in the Valley on Google Play Movies and YouTube.