DVD Review: Salton Sea, The (B)

The Salton Sea (2002)
Directed by D.J. Caruso
Starring Val Kilmer, Deborah Unger, Vincent D'Onofrio and Luis Guzman
MPAA: R
Grade: B

Review by Scott Standish

Val Kilmer is one of those actors that critics either love or hate. Kilmer mugs for the camera so often that the viewer is either driven to annoyance, or blown away by this guys sheer audacity. I like actors that aren't afraid to take over a scene, so I guess you could place me in the latter category. Kilmer brought a level of sensitivity and strangeness to the Batman character, and for my money, he was the best of the Batman actors (besides Adam West of course).

Val does his best work when playing "over the top" type characters, whether it be the caped crusader, Willem DeKooning in the underrated Pollock, or Jim Morrison in The Doors. Kilmer has a knack for these freaked out people, and its this type of personality that he tackles in the strangely satisfying Salton Sea.

The Salton Sea tells the story of Danny Parker (played by Kilmer). Danny is a serious speed freak and a police informer. He also has a "past life" under the name of Tom Van Allen. Tom was a trumpet player, a loving husband and an all around nice guy. After Tom's wife is murdered, old Val turns a bit psycho and starts hanging out with junkies, thieves and freaks with their noses cut off.

The Salton Sea provides the type of complex, narcissistic role that Kilmer excels in, and he takes the role of Danny Parker all over the map. Deborah Unger, one of DVD Confidential's favorite actresses (great roles in The Game and Crash) does a great job as his messed up neighbor, and Luis Guzman, another favorite of ours, makes a short appearance as her boyfriend.

Salton Sea has a fantastic, tripped out look to it. Saturated colors and tattoo inspired production design give this film a gritty, yet surreal feel. If you are looking for a gritty, drug fueled drama with some solid acting, this is a pretty sure bet.

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