The Salton Sea (2002)

After a tragic incident, a man drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies.

Director:

D.J. Caruso

Writer:

Tony Gayton

Stars:

Val Kilmer, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Goldberg

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Val Kilmer	...	Danny Parker / Tom Van Allen
Vincent D'Onofrio	...	Pooh-Bear
Adam Goldberg	...	Kujo
Luis Guzmán	...	Quincy
Doug Hutchison	...	Gus Morgan
Anthony LaPaglia	...	Al Garcetti
Glenn Plummer	...	Bobby
Peter Sarsgaard	...	Jimmy the Finn
Deborah Kara Unger	...	Colette
Chandra West	...	Liz
BD Wong	...	Bubba
R. Lee Ermey	...	Verne Plummer
Shalom Harlow	...	Nancy
Shirley Knight	...	Nancy Plummer
Meat Loaf	...	Bo

Storyline

After the murder of his beloved wife, Danny Parker is set adrift in a world where nothing is as it seems. On his journey he befriends slacker Jimmy the Finn and becomes involved in rescuing his neighbor Colette from her own demons. Danny is antagonized by undercover narcotics agents and sadistic dealer Pooh-Bear.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | male in shower | sex scene | remote control car | neighbor neighbor relationship | 

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Taglines:

If You're Looking For The Truth, You've Come To The Wrong Place.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence, drug use, language and some sexuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 June 2002 (Ireland)

Also Known As:

Salton Sea

Filming Locations:

St. Vincent Catholic Church - 621 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$166,309, 28 April 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$764,554, 16 June 2002

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment, Darkwoods Productions, Humble Journey Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Vincent D'Onofrio purposefully developed a bad and uneven suntan, gained a significant amount of weight, bleached his hair, and wore improperly fitting skateboard apparel. When he reported to the set, he arrived in character.

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Goofs

Morgan and Garcetti, as well as "Bubba" reference "Palmdale PD," when there is no such department; law enforcement for Palmdale along with the rest of the Antelope Valley is handled by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

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Quotes

Finn: They say he hasn't slept in like over a year.
Danny: Bullshit!
Finn: Naw, it's true. I've never seen him sleep. Seriously.
Danny: Have you ever seen Queen Elizabeth sleep?
Finn: No, why, is she a tweaker?
Danny: [pause] Yes. That's my point.

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Crazy Credits

Credits end with this statement: If you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem, or to find out about treatment programs near you, call the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or to find out more about methamphetamine visit SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information's web site at www.health.org.

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Connections

References Trainspotting (1996)

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Soundtracks

Ain't That A Kick In The Head
Written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen
Performed by Dean Martin
Courtesy of Capitol Records
Under license from EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets

User Reviews

A true attention-getter of a film.

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. (***)