Notebook Reviews: THE SALTON SEA

D. J. Caruso – 2002

The Salton Sean is a modern day film noir which features another great performance from Val Kilmer.

This strong feature debut from D. J. Caruso has an off-beat sensibility and the first half in particular is very surreal. The second half delves into more familiar thriller territory but it manages to keep to its own path. The visuals are strong too – but the main reason to watch this is for Kilmer’s textured and tortured performance. The supporting cast is also also very strong with Vincent D’Onofrio, Adam Goldberg, Luis Guzman, Doug Hutchison Anthony LaPaglia and Deborah Kara Unger all making their mark. 

The Salton Sea is quite a dark piece, but there’s plenty of humour woven into its tapestry. This is a little seen curio which is worth seeking out.