Happy in the Valley Poster

Happy in the Valley 2009

★ 3.65 votes91 min📅 2009-01-01

In *Happy in the Valley (2009)*, director Lee Madsen crafts a raw, unflinching drama that follows Stewart Fox, a once-celebrated rock star photographer now drowning in the shadows of addiction and obscurity.

Director: Lee Madsen

Cast

William Forsythe
William Forsythe
Stewart
Shaun Sipos
Shaun Sipos
Wade
Zoë Hall
Zoë Hall
Queenie
Dee Wallace
Dee Wallace
Gloria
Ursula Brooks
Ursula Brooks
Donna
Lew Temple
Lew Temple
Chris
Tiffany Shepis
Tiffany Shepis
Courtney

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Happy in the Valley (2009) about?

*Happy in the Valley (2009)* follows Stewart Fox, a former rockstar photographer whose life has spiraled due to substance abuse. Now scraping by with low-end photography gigs, he tries to reignite his career by chronicling his own story through an art student's lens—but his turbulent past and unstable relationships threaten to derail everything.

Who directed Happy in the Valley?

Happy in the Valley was directed by Lee Madsen, who brings a raw, intimate style to this drama about faded glory and self-destruction.

Who stars in Happy in the Valley?

The film features William Forsythe, Shaun Sipos, Zoë Hall, Dee Wallace, and Lew Temple in key roles.

Is Happy in the Valley (2009) worth watching?

While *Happy in the Valley* isn't a mainstream hit, it's a compelling watch for fans of gritty character dramas. Its exploration of addiction and redemption, paired with strong performances, makes it a solid pick for those who appreciate indie films with depth and authenticity.

How long is Happy in the Valley?

Happy in the Valley has a runtime of 91 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Happy in the Valley (2009) — A gritty drama of addiction, redemption, and the cost of fame

In *Happy in the Valley (2009)*, director Lee Madsen crafts a raw, unflinching drama that follows Stewart Fox, a once-celebrated rock star photographer now drowning in the shadows of addiction and obscurity. Once behind the lens capturing legends, Stewart now snaps exploitative photos of wannabe models and actresses to scrape by—a far cry from his glamorous past. Desperate to claw his way back into the spotlight, he recruits a young, idealistic art student to document his self-published autobiography, but the volatile mix of his past demons and the people around him threatens to explode.

The film dives deep into themes of redemption, regret, and the cost of chasing fame, all wrapped in a gritty, intimate atmosphere that feels both personal and universal. With the camera turned on himself, Stewart's journey becomes a mirror to the audience, reflecting the messy, often painful pursuit of meaning in a world that's moved on without him.