The Salton Sea (2002) User Reviews

Stylish neo-noir.

[Latheman-9 · 8/10 · 4 June 2003]

The Salton Sea is a hypersaline artificial body of water accidentally created when engineers lost control of the Colorado River flow with which they were replenishing irrigation canals in California's Imperial Valley. For two years (1905-1907), the Colorado River was uncontrollably diverted from its natural course, filling the Salton Trough (part of the San Andreas Fault) before finally being set back on course. Since then, the Salton Sea continues to be replenished by irrigation runoff with no means of outflow except evaporation. It lies approximately 130 miles northeast of San Diego at the lowest point of the Sonoran Desert (278 feet below sea level). In that part of the world, the temperatures in summer, effectively April through November, can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or even higher. In recent years, it has experienced massive fish and bird kills. In short, the Salton Sea is an apt metaphor for Hell ... which is just where Danny Parker/Tom Van Allen (Val Kilmer) finds himself at the beginning of this film, surrounded by flames. "The Salton Sea" is a highly stylized movie in which nearly all elements are executed well. The acting is generally excellent. Kilmer in the lead role does his best work since "Tombstone", and Vincent D'Onofrio, an actor for whom I don't ordinarily care, is utterly convincing as the demented crank dealer Pooh Bear. He was so good I forgot I was watching D'Onofrio. Excellent supporting performances are contributed by Peter Sarsgaard as Danny/Tom's best friend, Doug Hutchison and Anthony LaPaglia as the two L.A. County Sheriff's deputies for whom Danny snitches, and Adam Goldberg as tweaker-in-residence Kujo. Even the minor characters of Creeper (Ricky Trammell), Big Bill (Josh Todd), and the gun seller (Mpho Koaho) are portrayed to perfection. My only complaint is that Deborah Kara Unger simply wasn't able to pull off her part as the strung-out lowlife Colette, perhaps because she's just too beautiful to be convincing in such a role. As an anti-parallel, imagine Danny Trejo cast as James Bond.

Cinematography and editing were top notch, and the production design for this film was fantastic, from the diseased walls of Danny/Tom's apartment to the Level 4 biohazard lab in the 'Kujo's Big Heist' segment, with technicians wearing space suits that look like they came directly from Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey". Even the smallest details were done with style, such as the flames cascading down Danny/Tom's arm from the sunburst tattoo centered on the scar of his shoulder wound. The intricate plot of Tony Gayton's script requires the viewer's suspension of disbelief at some points, but not enough to detract significantly from the overall merit of the movie. This is a very strong feature film debut for director D.J. Caruso, and I look forward to his future work. One of the best films I've seen in the last three years, "The Salton Sea" is definitely worth watching. Rating: 8/10

A true attention-getter of a film.

[gridoon · 7/10 · 3 March 2004]

Excellent adult thriller. Stylish, intense, funny and unexpectedly moving. Intricately plotted (it will always be one step ahead of you) and fluidly, inventively directed (including a unique twist on Eastwood's classic "Did I fire six bullets...or only five?" line). Well-acted, especially by Kilmer. The less you know about it beforehand the better, though, so I'll just add this: this film is not always pleasant to watch, but it has personality and will take you on quite a journey. Don't read about it, see it. (***)

An Underrated, Dark Sea Of Mystery!

[TheAnimalMother · 7/10 · 5 November 2009]

*Very Minor, Undetailed Plot Spoiler Warning*

Director D.J. Caruso has run into decent fame as of late after directing Eagle Eye, (Which I thought was pretty terrible by the way.), and the very popular Disturbia, (Which is basically a reversion of Hitchcock's classic thriller Rear Window.). However, I believe that he should be most recognized for this little gem of a film from his more distant past, 2002's The Salton Sea.

One of the greatest things about The Salton Sea is that it unravels in very unexpected ways. Wrapping up the viewer in some dark unknown mystery, that piece by piece becomes clearer and clearer as the intriguingly masked plot unfolds into a tale of drugs, dirty law enforcement, love and revenge. From the visuals, to the dialogue, from the acting, to the delivery, The Salton Sea really is a gritty, enjoyable, and somewhat unique piece of work.

Don't even bother with the plot hole scenarios that some people are conjuring up out of the thin air resting between their ears. The truth is that they just didn't pay enough attention to the details while watching this underrated little diamond in the rough. If you like dark, gritty mysteries, take your mind for a dive into The Salton Sea.

7/10

A Crystal Meth Film Noir

[Craig_McPherson · 20 March 2004]

I avoided watching this film for quite some time after its release. In part this was because what little I knew about the story hit a little too close to home in terms of substance abuse problems, and equally so because I'd generally read negative reviews about how bleak, depressing and meandering it was.

Boy was I wrong. As it turns out this is a stylishly photographed, atmospheric little film noir set in the world of crystal meth junkies and hoods. Val Kilmer registers a most impressive performance as a musician turned junkie turned.... well, I won't give anything more away.

The film's story line just seems to flow out toward the viewer in a languishing, yet engrossing stream, sucking you along in its undertow. Couple that with enough plot twists to catch your interest and this film makes for a perfect evening of quiet movie watching over a bowl of popcorn.

Give this little gem a chance. Odds are you won't be disappointed.

...A decent mystery, darkish thriller, some noir, drugs, love lost, and cops...

[HuckDJ · 7/10 · 25 January 2005]

The Salton Sea is an interesting film. It is a film that looks initially to be about drugs and the people who take them. Val Kilmer is in the lead role as a tweaker of crystal meth, and other substances, as well as a quite good sounding trumpet player. He begins by telling the viewer, via narration, explaining that he does not know who he really is and asks you to decide as we wind back through a recent period of his life to see how he came to where we first meet him.

The movie gets its title from a key event to the film occurred at the Salton Sea and Kilmer's character has a huge tattoo in memory of this.

What unravels is an intricate mystery that holds the viewers' attention but only just. The story is quite good but it is not in your face as one might expect a film of this acting calibre. It sunk at the cinema but maybe due to its art-house feel and advertising did not communicate this.

Vincent D'Onofrio is nearly unrecognizably as unpredictable drug dealer Pooh Bear, named as such because of his flat nose, and Danny Trejo is here as one of his scary henchmen.

If you are looking for a decent mystery, darkish thriller, some noir, drugs, love lost, and cops, then you could not go far wrong renting The Salton Sea.

Kilmer captures me in Salton Sea

[monika-woods · 9/10 · 18 November 2006]

Val Kilmer in Salton Sea is about as close to home as anything for me in this movie. He looks like just another guy on the streets of So Cal back in the 80's, looking for a quick high, with no idea of consequence. Salton Sea is a beautiful location that many don't know of. Kilmer's performance carries one through the movie effortlessly. From the intricacies of the actual life he portrays to the unshown details of the tenderness of the characters heart, "Salton Sea" delivers a complete package of salty and sweet. I would have never rented the movie had it been any other actor. The only reason I was drawn to the movie, was the title, because so few people know of the hidden gem in the California desert, and I had been there as a child. The theme was a place that I unfortunately also visited and I feel that the movie delivers a compelling reason for people to think before the act. To realize that there is always more than meets the eye.

Pretty good

[Lupercali · 7/10 · 29 August 2004]

This is a moody, creepy thriller which reminds me a great deal of Philip K Dick's 'A Scanner Darkly' in some respects. Val Kilmer isn't exactly amazing (is he ever?) but he gets the job done. Most of the movie's high points come from the portrayal of the mindset of the drug subculture. Again, I'm reminded so much of PKD's comment about kids "playing in the road" even after they watched their friends getting run over one after another.

A couple of the flashback/hallucination sequences were a little confusing, but I got the general drift. The film has a seedy, nasty, slightly hallucinogenic quality to it. Kilmer seems slightly out of place - not messed up enough. Actually, that ends up making sense, but I won't give anything away.

Not a great film, but different and stylish enough to deserve the 7.2 average it currently enjoys here. That's about what I'd give it.

Also nice to see a drug/crime thriller where everything isn't blowing up every 30 seconds.

Oh, I forgot to mention: there are a few scenes in the film that are really darn funny. How that doesn't ruin the mood of the thing, I don't know, because it's a bit like laughing at a car wreck.

Great Kilmer In A Great Flick

[Signet · 8/10 · 15 December 2002]

Val Kilmer has made some of the most peculiar and daring career choices of any actor now working. His decision to appear in the disastrous remake of "The Island of Dr. Moreau" with Marlon Brando could have sunk him once and for all, save for his exceedingly nasty (and accurate) impersonation of Brando, tics and all, late in the film. Now, as his features have thickened and he is well past his pretty boy phase ( something he can apparently give up, and Tom Cruise wouldn't dare: we might notice there was no talent underneath the face cream), he is assuming roles that make full use of this brutalized looks. SALTON SEA is a magnificent performance in a wholly satisfying film, with Kilmer being fully assisted by a dazzling supporting cast. There are elements of classical balance in this story that make it not merely intellectually stimulating but emotionally moving. It has everything: great acting, great writing, and great directing. Don't miss it.

Memento

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 1 October 2017]

Val Kilmer plays Danny Parker who also goes by the name of Tom Van Allen in this pulpy noirish thriller/black comedy which has some obvious nods to Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch.

The film has a labyrinth narrative where we are not sure if Parker a Jazz trumpeter is hovering somewhere between life and death. Parker is also a speed freak who hangs out with the lowlife and grotesques in the south Los Angeles crystal meth scene but as the film goes on we learn that Parker is a man looking for revenge for the murder of his wife.

The film is confusing until the real plot emerges, at least it has decent supporting players such as Vincent D'Onofrio who puts a memorable performance as a demented dealer with a false nose.

The climactic shootout plays homage to Dirty Harry.

Possibly Val Kilmer's best film ever..

[ThatsGoodInnit · 9/10 · 2 August 2006]

This film was an absolute treat! an amazingly enjoyable thrill ride! if your one of those that switches a film off, when you see drug abuse, i warn you, don't switch off this, because your sincerely missing an excellent, well casted, well directed film! a must see for anybody so long as none of the themes in the film could offend you, one of the best films here of 2002! an excellent cast of Val Kilmer, the Beautiful Deborah Kara Unger, Luis Guzmán, and Peter Sarsgaard, with an excellent character in the film called Pooh Bear played by Vincent D'Onofrio, He's wicked! With lots of twists and turns, and a solid story to follow, everything gets put together, with a great blend of humor. Don't rent it, when you see it, buy it, you wont be disappointed.

Much better than average neo-noir, beautifully shot.

[SMM-3 · 7/10 · 23 July 2005]

Val Kilmer gives us Tom Van Allen, a jazz musician embarked on a quest through the world of methamphetamine dealers, users and other predators. Kilmer is wonderful, as usual, in this alternately harrowing and hilarious post-Pulp Fiction noir thriller.

The whole cast is pretty wonderful as well. I especially enjoyed Vincent D'Onofrio as an eccentric drug dealer who has clearly been too long in the high desert.

The real standout element of the film, however, is the photography by Amir Mokri. Unlike some neo-noir, Mokri and director D.J. Caruso effectively balance high-key daytime shots with the darker interior and night shots, and all of them are excellently done.

The best elements of the screenplay are the many funny scenes, including a might-have-been heist gone wrong, a recreation of the JFK assassination, and a wonderful update of the "Easy Andy" scene from Taxi Driver.

The Salton Sea is worth seeing for fans of Kilmer, noir or both.

I loved this movie

[Johntoffey · 10/10 · 14 July 2005]

Every so often you see a movie that leaves you feeling thoughtful, one with an atmosphere that has you so absorbed that you feel like you've lived the experience. The Salton Sea left me that way. This movie 'had me' from the beginning to the end, and by the end, I felt like I had been on a long, interesting journey. Something that might be found unlikable about the movie is the constant monologue, which some might find to be cliché, But Val Kilmer speaks them so well that not once did I find them to be so. The great story line and superb acting makes it a solid movie, one that does not evoke questions of credibility. It is the best movie I've seen in a long time. I give it a 10.

Salty Sea

[the_weirdo · 7/10 · 8 January 2010]

It's a pretty decent thriller.

Enough twists and curves to keep you guessing till the end. Not bad performances. Val Kilmer is as good (or as bad) as he is in other movies. He plays the bereaved husband whose wife has been killed in a robbery fiasco and now he is vindictive towards the perpetrators. Vincent D'Onofrio as the eccentric drug dealer and Doug Hutchison (remember the negative guy in the Green Mile?) as the corrupt cop are fear-and-loathe-some.

Good for a one-time-watch.

(Originally posted @ weirdo-on-movies.blogspot.com)

not too much to remember

[dromasca · 5/10 · 6 February 2014]

The test of the time is probably the best test that a movie can pass or fail. I have seen The Salton Sea two weeks ago, and did not have time to write immediately about it. Two weeks later I have a hard time remembering what the film was about. Fragments of good film making are left in my memory but they seem to be buried in a story which tries to make sense of some very improbable coincidences which end by making no sense, without the courage of being nonsense to the end, as in a Tarantino film.

The Salton Sea tells the violent story of the life of a trumpet player turned into nightmare as his wife is murdered by drug dealers and trying to take revenge by enrolling as an undercover agent. His fake identity places him in the situation to meet the evil and their victims, and in order to take the revenge to the ultimate satisfaction he is obliged to go rogue and take all upon himself. No prisoners are taken and there hardly can be survivors from this situation.

The world described in the film is the one of Tarantino's characters but director D.J. Caruso is no Tarantino and the story lacks exactly the sarcastic craziness of Quentin. Val Klimer does a fair job, but fair is not enough. I remember too little of this film two weeks after I have seen it, and I will probably remember nothing two weeks from now.

Great movie, it's just that simple...

[dcobbimdb · 2 July 2004]

This movie was great, this time I'm actually glad I took the Blockbuster guy's advice and rented it. It's not like LOTR or a Rocky movie where you come out feeling like you're on top of the world, but you will feel spun like by a great rollercoaster. I wouldn't say it starts off slow, but it definitely eases you into things, then move on to the drug fests and the story starts to take shape, but without really revealing itself all at once. As you watch more, you get that much more involved and gripped. I found myself really captured by the movie to the point of having anxiety myself in some of the Poo bear scenes. So towards the end I was strapped to my chair waiting to see what was going to happen, I did care about Kilmer's character, and I loved it how the movie keeps you guessing and on your seat till the end. Being such a dark movie though, it wouldn't have been so memorable for me if the ending had been different.

Kilmer's performance was good and he held his own, but Vincent D'Onofrio was brilliant in his role of Poo bear. I also liked the scene with Bobby `hobby' as it was definitely memorable.

I loved this movie, but as other reviews have said, if you are faint of heart then this movie is not for you. It is dark, druggy, very pawn scum of life kind of thing, and you watch it with your guts in a knot for some of the movie, but it's worth the knot I tell you! Did I mention that I liked the ending too? Even though it was a dark movie overall, I left with the sensation of `Damn that was a good movie…'

A dark yet entertaining film

[chvylvr80 · 7/10 · 26 March 2003]

The Salton Sea has got to be THE film made with tweakers in mind. That said, this is a very interesting and visually dazzling film both in the way it was shot and in the way that it brings the characters in it to life. Adam Goldberg's "heist" plan is a prime example of this. Overall this movie is very well done and it is destined to be a cult film. Val Kilmer does a better than average job and Vincent D'Onofrio is amazing as usual. He has got to be the most underrated actor of all time. Bottom Line: If you like offbeat movies, then check this one out.

Delivers A Lot More Than It Promises

[seymourblack-1 · 8/10 · 4 July 2016]

In this movie's opening scene, a man surrounded by money, photos and flames sits on the floor of a small room playing his trumpet. What's most noticeable is the deeply melancholic sound of his music and his total lack of concern about the obvious danger he's in. Both of these things are important pointers to his state of mind as he begins to describe the events that led him to this point in his life. His story of love, loss, revenge and redemption features a variety of low-life characters, a certain amount of brutality and many moments of dark humour. The action takes place in the squalid surroundings inhabited by drug addicts, dealers and corrupt cops where life is cheap and the atmosphere's always threatening.

Speed freak Danny Parker (Val Kilmer) is a man with an identity issue. He used to be a happily married jazz musician who dressed conventionally and was known as Tom Van Allen. His life changed dramatically when, during an unpredictable incident, his wife was shot dead and he was left devastated, heartbroken and consumed with guilt about his inability to prevent what happened. Having used drugs to numb his pain, he then morphed into the heavily tattooed character who became known to his fellow addicts as Danny and his life became a series of binges where he got high followed by periods where he involved himself in various drug deals to fund his habit.

Danny had also been recruited by a couple of undercover cops to help them catch drug dealers. This work was dangerous and he knew that one group in particular called the "Mexicali Boys" were out to kill him for his part in the successful arrest of their leader. A meeting that he has with a drug dealer who carries a spear-gun proves to be absolutely terrifying and he's also fortunate to survive another deal with a sadist called Pooh Bear (Vincent D'Onofrio) who specialises in torture as well as trading in crystal methedrine. Surprisingly, despite his dangerous and destructive lifestyle, Danny still manages to enjoy reasonably normal friendships with the simple but good-natured Jimmy the Finn (Peter Sarsgaard) and his neighbour Colette (Deborah Kara Unger) whose life is miserable because she regularly gets beaten by her abusive boyfriend Quincy (Luis Guzman).

All is not entirely as it seems however, because it gradually becomes clear that Danny's involvement in the "tweaker" subculture is not simply to ease his pain but more importantly to avenge the death of his wife.

For a movie that appears to be so unappealing in many ways, it's a pleasant surprise to find that "The Salton Sea" actually boasts a good story, some wonderful cinematography and a way of delivering its narrative that's quite novel. With its catalogue of eccentric characters and exemplary performances, this is a movie that certainly delivers a lot more than it promises.

atonement

[pswanson00 · 7/10 · 5 June 2004]

This is a truly bizarre film, but Val Kilmer is good enough in it for me to forgive him that slab of fecal matter entitled "The Saint." In my youth I touched the middle-class periphery of the drug world, and my experience says that the characters here are very true. It's quite violent, with not many chuckles to break the tension, but I found the story development and conclusion to be quite satisfactory, and would recommend this film to anyone who's prepared for a look at a decidedly dark way of life. Read a story synopsis before viewing, and don't rent it when grandma stays over for the weekend. Many scenes will be disturbing to a sensitive nature.

Vengeance

[Sinister_Motive · 9/10 · 29 November 2002]

Hollywood as a whole typically seems to steer away from any story that can realistically describe vengeance. It's either the hero comes out of his despair and kills 100 people, hell bent on righting the world. Or it is a movie that has the hero so full of idiotic cliches that it doesn't even work. A few movies used vengeance in a good way, like the Crow series, but the supernatural effect takes the feel of reality from the characters. I had always been a fan of stories about vigilantes and regular people that had a thirst for vengeance and dealing out their own form of justice.

Well, The Salton Sea was a movie that actually surprised me. I had walked into Blockbuster and the new releases I did want were already checked out, so I just combed over the sections to find something that didn't look like total crap. So, I saw a movie with Val Kilmer on the front and sighed picking it up. I was never a big fan of Val Kilmer but the movie sounded interesting so I rented it. I was not disappointed. Val actually gave a great performance that didn't want me to shut off the DVD player and go to bed. The movie started out as a bunch of drug addicts just partying and living it up. As the movie went on, I loved the music, the visuals, the settings, the performances and most of all the story. It was a real down to earth take on revenge. I was pleasantly surprised with even the detail of the small characters that didn't even really have much dialogue. It was real and it was good. I really recommend this to anyone that loves to see vengeance or revenge movies.

***1/2 of ****

Bad cops and good man exchange lead with each other and local ruffians

[helpless_dancer · 7/10 · 12 April 2003]

Strange, darkly moody tale of revenge, murder, drugs, insanity, freaks, losers....and one all around good dude. I like films that come at me from left field which is why I liked this one; not to mention one of my fave actors being in it [Val]. It's one the viewer has to just keep watching to finally figure out. Oh, and there was plenty of gunplay for all you full auto freaks.

Not Realistic, but still a good movie

[michael94523 · 8/10 · 28 April 2002]

most of the tweakers I have ever met were just not that sophisticated. by the time they got to that level of addiction everybody was slammin, they had sores all over their bodies, there teeth were rotted out, all of the women and men did whatever "it took" to score. Very sad.

on the other hand it was pretty interesting. great tattoo's, cinematography was done very well, loved the soundtrack, what a waste of "Deborah Kara Unger's" acting abilities.

Now on to the main reason I went to see this film "D'Onofrio"! What a fantastic performance. He made this movie. That wheeziness throughout his dialogue made his character beliveable. Plus his total disregard for morality.

Overall this was a good movie, just not very accurate.

Kilmer's last real good role and his last feature worth watching.

[JohnRayPeterson · 7/10 · 11 November 2011]

Is Val Kilmer out to set a record? He's got six productions set for 2012 release, on top of his list of 76 acting credits. Salton Sea is in my opinion his last feature film worth watching. He's played second fiddle in several since then and had lead roles in mediocre productions but the potential many moviegoers had seen in him have sort of faded away and I hope he'll do something worthwhile soon but I'm not holding my breath. Has his mark as an actor fans want to see vanished with his best behind him? Red Planet, The Saint, Tombstone, Thunderheart, The Doors, all good movies but a fraction of what he's done. The Salton Sea may be Kilmer's best. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, really? Enough about him; the movie is a good crime drama and has a supporting cast to match.

I had to dig back many years to find this movie. It's a dark movie but powerful nonetheless. Vincent D'Onofrio's performance is outstanding, though brief. There's suspense and action to keep a die-hard fan of the genre glued to the seat. The rating by users has consistently been good at the various sources I like to refer to, but not so much from the critics. I can't think of any dark movie scoring well with critics; they must have sensibilities beyond that of the average moviegoer.

Powerful Film, Amazingly Underrated

[ChigurandSpice · 8/10 · 3 January 2007]

I have two memories of The Salton Sea from before I ever saw it. First, it was always in the cheap box at the movie store, and second, I liked the cover.

So one Christmas, I picked a copy up for a friend, having heard good things. I could not have imagined what a strong film it was going to be, and it has been a personal favorite of mine ever since.

It has all the pieces of a great film: an original story told through intense direction, a unique, perfectly acted main character(Kilmer's best by far); a fantastic villain (Vincent D'onofrio's masterpiece performance) and a brutally powerful ending.

If you are in the mood for a fast, entertaining, dark, powerful and stylish neo-noir vengeance story; The Salton Sea is for you.

Get a copy, you won't be let down, everything is absolutely first rate; and the film approaches greatness.

2 part Story

[VanRippestein · 6/10 · 10 September 2003]

I've rated this movie 6/10... I find it strange that a lot of people thought this movie was hypnotic and stuff. The Flasbacks are just ordinary flasbacks. It's a logical story, so if any one got confused after watching it, search that problem in yourself and not in this movie. I liked the first part though, But then, it became somekind of standart movie. The ending was way too cliche to be taken serious for me. Original story witch isn't brought the way it should be.

Ridiculous, completely illogical, waste of time

[the_hamburger_man · 1/10 · 20 August 2004]

This review will gloss over the basic plot to show just how ridiculously illogical it is. The only reason that this movie is considered "clever" is because the main character's background/circumstances are slowly fed to us during the movie; however, I'm going to give it to you in chronological order. I recommend that you read this review and then decide whether you really want to see this film. If you do choose to go ahead and watch it, keep these points in mind...

****SPOILERS AHEAD!****

1) Clean, average-Joe, main character takes his wife to a meth lab for no reason indicated, where she is killed in a police raid/robbery shoot-out.

2) Main character comes up with a revenge plan which requires himself to become a hardcore drug addict so that he can pose as an informant to the police who conducted the raid.

3) The FBI works with our hardcore drug addict hero to assist him in his revenge on the police -- because making such wise decisions as becoming a drug addict wouldn't lessen your credibility with the FBI one bit.

The meth cook is a nose-less redneck freak who lives out in the desert and spends his free time recreating the Kennedy assassination with pigeons and toy cars, when he isn't feeding people's genitals to his pet badger.

Other reviewers say that this film accurately portrays the lives of meth addicts and meth cooks. I think they are on meth if they believe that. 1/10 Just plain bad!