Happy Valley
Studio: Music Box Films
Directed by Amir Bar-Lev
Dec 15, 2014
Web Exclusive
During the Jerry Sandusky trial, a protestor held a sign with the following quote directed against Penn State: “Evil prevails when good men do nothing.” In addition to the crimes themselves, what made the scandal so shocking was it occurred under the watch of Penn State football, a storied program long reputed for its honesty and integrity. Almost overnight, the house of cards would collapse: its character would be questioned by the President of the United States. An American legend would leave his job in disgrace. Marginal figures within the program would become household names, their character permanently soiled.
Happy Valley offers an unbiased recollection of the 2011 events that is less interested in assigning blame than using the scandal as a template to explore mob mentality and the perils of idol worship. The central figure is Joe Paterno, who became the face of the scandal less because of his inactions (people with greater authority did less), but because for five decades he represented a fleeting standard of good in an increasingly corrupt sport. Fair or unfair, a singular failure when assigned such standards elicits a reaction equally strong in the opposite direction, evidenced by the swift punishments inflicted upon him. The punishments are still incredibly divisive, and, unfortunately, the film feels too standoffish covering these grounds, adding little to either side of the debate. Its conclusion feels unaware of recent developments regarding the scandal, dulling what was otherwise an incredibly perceptive film.
www.musicboxfilms.com/happy-valley-movies-115.php
Author rating: 6/10
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