Derek Winnert

The Salton Sea *** (2002, Val Kilmer, Vincent D’Onofrio, Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Goldberg) – Classic Movie Review 1625

1

Director D J Caruso’s gritty and exciting 2002 all-star thriller stars Val Kilmer as Danny Parker, who adopts a new lowlife identity and goes among drug pushers and crooks to find his beloved wife’s killers.

2

Menaced by undercover narcotics agents and sadistic dealer Pooh-Bear (Vincent D’Onofrio), Danny befriends slacker Jimmy the Finn (Peter Sarsgaard) and tries to save his neighbour Colette (Deborah Kara Unger) from her own demons.

A trim, back-on-form Kilmer convinces and the superb support cast give mesmerising performances, relishing writer Tony Gayton’s expert oddball screenplay.

3

It’s one of those rarish movies that would be worthwhile just for the cast: Adam Goldberg, Luis Guzman, Doug Hutchison, Anthony LaPaglia, Glenn Plummer, Chandra West, B D Wong, R Lee Ermey, Shalom Harlow, Shirley Knight, Meat Loaf, Azura Skye, Josh Todd, Danny Trejo and Ricky Trammell.

Castle Rock add helpfully in the credits: ‘The Producers wish to gratefully thank the Salton Sea Sector of the California State Parks for its cooperation. We encourage the support of this unique natural resource.’

4

Gayton said his screenplay was an experimental writing sample he could show producers to try to get work. He got a happy surprise when Castle Rock bought it.

Caruso went on to direct Disturbia, Eagle Eye and I Am Number Four.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1625

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com/

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