REVIEW: DVD Release: The Valley (Obscured By Clouds)

Film: The Valley (Obscured By Clouds)
Release date: 14th February 2011
Certificate: 15
Running time: 105 mins
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Starring: Bulle Ogier, Michael Gothard, Jean-Pierre Kalfon
Genre: Action/Drama
Studio: BFI
Format: DVD & Blu-ray
Country: France

The career of writer and director Barbet Schroeder has so far spanned over forty years. Very much in the primitive stage of his illustrious life behind the camera, The Valley (Obscured By Clouds) represents a glorious stepping stone in Schroeder’s development as a young filmmaker who would later enjoy remarkably consistent Hollywood success.

Set in the mystical jungles of New Guinea, the film follows the story of Viviane, the wife of the French consul in Melbourne, whose quest initially revolves around finding the forbidden feathers of a rare exotic bird. This quest takes an unexpected detour when she meets Gaetan, an intriguingly charismatic stranger travelling in a small group of hippies.

Upon meeting the hippies, Viviane’s inquisitive nature leads her to abandon her previously materialistic existence, and embark on an even more enticing mission, seeking an unmapped valley believed to be the home to one of the world’s most isolated tribes.

As one might expect, Viviane’s plight becomes much more than just a search for earthly enlightenment, as she immerses herself in the hippie world of self-discovery, ending her journey far removed from the person she used to be.

With Pink Floyd providing an ambient soundtrack to proceedings, Schroeder invites us into the mysterious world of bongo-pounding, chanting, and tribal pleasures…


Very much drawn in the art house vein, The Valley is not afraid to push the boundaries, and the unrestrained and relaxed lifestyle of the hippies manifests itself in the use of mind-altering stimulants, and also in scenes of full frontal nudity. Viviane is quick to develop an affinity with the hippies’ love of nature, which plays an integral part in her decision to stay beyond her intended departure date and venture into the unknown.

Schroeder’s priority appears to be that his audience identify with his central characters, and he succeeds admirably. It is easy to develop an emotional attachment to Schroeder’s characters and to the story, and as viewers we share Viviane’s enthusiasm and excitement for what lies ahead. The acting is consistent and never misplaced, and assists in creating an intriguing aesthetic.

Despite, at times, amateurish editing, the cinematography is close to perfect, lending an almost documentary style to The Valley. The film is not afraid to lose itself in panoramic landscapes, or to pay tribute to the natural beauty of New Guinea. With Pink Floyd’s uncomplicated yet engrossing soundtrack in tow, Schroeder’s story is given further meaning, through subtle sweeping chords and melodic twangs.

The interaction with the tribe provide the film’s most breathtaking scenes, and the audience witnesses a number of compelling traditions and rituals. It is in these moments that The Valley finds its true spirit.

Another angle for which Schroeder deserves much credit is for maintaining a cordial atmosphere throughout. Too many action/adventures are guilty of taking the route of menace, where the protagonists reach their desired destination only to find that everything is not as they hoped. Instead, he elects to focus on emotionally fulfilling his central characters, and in turn, his audience. This is not to say that the characters have matching reactions to their experiences - one or two find themselves completely underwhelmed, but the film revels in exploring this further.

The Valley’s mildly understated conclusion and perhaps unoriginal slant does not retract from an overriding satisfaction, which is both thought-provoking and inspiring, and anyone who previously held no aspirations for travelling will have been persuaded otherwise.


The suitably primitive style is fitting considering its placement in Barbet Schroeder’s fine career. The Valley rarely deviates from the simplistic route, which is fully complimented by the ideologies of the main characters. Although the outdated hippie angle grows slightly tiresome, The Valley is thoroughly intriguing to its end. MC