4.2/10
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46 user 58 critic

Salt and Fire (2016)

Trailer
1:34 | Trailer
A scientist blames the head of a large company for an ecological disaster in South America. But when a volcano begins to show signs of erupting, they must unite to avoid a disaster.

Director:

Werner Herzog

Writers:

Werner Herzog, Tom Bissell (short story: Aral)
3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Credited cast:
Veronica Ferres ... Laura Sommerfeld
Michael Shannon ... Matt Riley
Gael García Bernal ... Dr. Fabio Cavani
Volker Michalowski ... Dr. Arnold Meier (as Volker Zack Michalowski)
Lawrence Krauss ... Aristidis / Krauss
Anita Briem ... Flight Attendant
Danner Ignacio Márquez Arancibia Danner Ignacio Márquez Arancibia ... Huascar
Gabriel Márquez Arancibia Gabriel Márquez Arancibia ... Atahualpa
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Lilly Krug ... Passenger
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Storyline

Salt and Fire is about a mysterious hostage-taking where the leader of a small scientific delegation is deliberately stranded with two blind boys in an area of gigantic salt flats. Shot in Bolivia, the film stars Michael Shannon, Veronica Ferres and Gael García Bernal and was written and directed by Werner Herzog. Written by XLrator Media

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Thriller

Certificate:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in only 16 days. See more »

Connections

Featured in Starfilm (2017) See more »

Soundtracks

A Una Rosa (Voche 'E Notte Antica)
Music by Ernst Reijseger and Ensemble
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User Reviews

 
Eco Thriller with Twist
15 October 2016 | by Raven-1969See all my reviews

Being afraid of the dark is one thing, yet being afraid of the light is far worse. A United Nations delegation composed of three scientists, Laura, Krauss and Fabio (Gael Garcia Bernal), visits the Uyuni salt flats of Bolivian in order to help draw attention to an environmental tragedy taking place. However, as soon as the delegation lands its members are kidnapped by a militia controlled by businessman Matt Riley (Michael Shannon). As in paintings where the images change depending on the angle from which they are viewed, what Riley wants with the scientists gradually comes into focus in a thrilling and ingenious way.

The film's location practically steals the show; an immense salt flat with a looming super volcano. Fortunately the setting is not the only aspect of the film that is thrilling. Capable acting and directing, and an intriguing environmental theme, combine with other elements to make Salt and Fire a compelling picture. I love the intellectual candy including great quotes from Alexander the Great and Ecclesiastes. Sometimes, however, it is a little too awkward and slow moving. More oomph/depth is needed at critical points. Gael Garcia Bernal is wonderful and funny, but he has just a minor part. There is a fantastic twist at the ending. Seen at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.


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Details

Country:

Germany | France | Mexico | Bolivia | USA

Language:

English | German | Quechua | Spanish

Release Date:

7 April 2017 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Salt and Fire See more »

Filming Locations:

Bolivia See more »

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Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$23,888
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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