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

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.

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.

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.’

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

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