Saved by Norton

Brilliant performances by Norton and Morse, but the movie loses focus during the second half.

A psychopathic and delusional man believes he is a cowboy from South Dakota. He meets up with Tobe and it seems like it is love at first sight. Harlan gets more and more involved in Tobe’s and her kid brother Lonnie’s life. Tobe stays out all night with Harlan, and there is an incident with the police involving them borrowing a horse without permission. None of this sits well with their father, Wade. He does not want Harlan to be involved with his family, but this only gets Harlan more deeper involved in the matter. Harlan decides to rescue Tobe and Lonnie from Wade, but it all turns out wrong.

Edward Norton both helped produce and acts in this movie, and he delivers another smashing performance as the delusional Harlan. This guy just knowns how to get under the skin of his characters. David Morse does not disappoint either, as he is brilliant and believable as the lone parent who is concerned for his children. Rory Culkin outshines Evan Rachel Wood, as he develops a bond with Harlan.

The movie might seem surrealistic at points, as you see Harlan riding his horse on motorways, a target practice in a river made of concrete, and a shootout on a western movie set, but this makes sense if you think about it, since Harlan thinks he is a cowboy. The problem with the movie is just that is starts focusing too much on the western aspects, and does not develop the similarities between Lonnie’s vulnerability and Harlan’s own estrangement from his father any further, and the closer you get to the end the further you get away from the real issues.

But all in all, this is an enjoyable movie to watch, especially because of the no less than brilliant performances by Edward Norton and David Morse.