MOVIE REVIEW

Salton Sea, The  (2002)

Starring: Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard
Director: DJ Caruso

Rating: R

Studio: Warner Bros.

Review Posted: 5.10.02

Spoilers: Minor

Rating: 8/10

By Dennis Landmann

Danny Parker (Val Kilmer) is playing a trumpet inside a burning apartment. As his voice-over begins the film, we become to understand the desperation and feeling for this character. The Salton Sea, cleverly written by Tony Gayton, is another of of those films beginning at the end of the story. Gayton lets Parker explain what has happened and how the character ended up in a burning apartment.

Parker lost his wife several years ago. On a vacation in the Salton Sea, they unfortunately came across a motel that was a target for two masked criminals. Parker witnessed his wife's death and swore to find the two masked criminals with the motto "whatever it takes." Now, a tweaker and part of a "speed freak" clique, Danny realizes he needs to finish his investigation. However, he cannot escape his past. Ratting out a befriended criminal, Danny received protection from two narcotics agents, Morgan (Doug Hutchison) and Garcetti (Anthony LaPaglia). Now, he learns they cannot protect him any more and he needs to leave before he becomes subject to a deadly revenge.

Danny's best friend Jimmy (Peter Saarsgard) knows a dealer who takes big bets. Danny makes a deal with Pooh Bear (Vincent D'Onofrio), the craziest and mind-cracking criminal you'll ever see in a movie. Not only does he have a sick sense of humor, but he also enjoys a rather disgusting form of meat. Okay, do you get this so far? There is a lot more to tell, but you're better off watching director DJ Caruso showing you all the things involved with this dark, serious, humorous, slick flick.

Well, The Salton Sea takes many different turns throughout. For example, twenty minutes into the film we come to understand Parker is also known as Tim Van Allen, who plays the trumpet. As Parker, or Van Allen, discovers himself, we discover him. It works on a strange level. Some scenes in the film are shown out of order, which becomes kind of confusing at first, but towards the end you get a sense of how it incorporates into the story. Tony Gayton's script is not particularly linear, but once the story unfolds, it surprisingly turns linear. Another great aspect of the script is the witty dialogue. Some is exposition, especially Danny's voice-over, but the interactions between characters are quite exquisite.

The Salton Sea creates a mood you cannot get out of. The music is fantastic, and I was surprised to find out Thomas Newman composed it. In fact, it was so cool I bought the soundtrack the same day I saw the film. Another good reason this film is as cool as it is is because Frank Darabont is one of the producers. This guy knows what's cool and if he's involved, projects usually turn out positive! The acting is also pretty good. Val Kilmer plays a completely different guy in this film as opposed to a blind man in At First Sight. He's as good a choice for his role as are the other actors for their respective roles, maybe an ensemble cast eh! So, everybody go out and see this flick. You should not be disappointed, since you're granted a kick-ass ride!