TV director D.J. Caruso makes a so-so feature directing debut with The Salton Sea, a noir mystery produced by Frank Darabont (helmer of Shawshank Redemption), starring Val Kilmer.
Set among Southern California “tweakers” of the drug crystal methamphetamine, the tale on Danny Parker, a former trumpet player who is now a tattooed speed freak living among dealers and hardcore addicts.
Danny’s fall from grace is the result of the murder of his beloved wife. Seeking to resolve her case, he’s also working undercover for brutal narcotics cops (Anthony Lapaglia and Doug Hutchison), while trying to rescue his beautiful neighbor Colette (Deborah Kara Unger) from abuse.
Danny and his slacker buddy Jimmy the Fin (Peter Sarsgaard) are contrasted with the sadistic dealer Pooh Bear (Vincent D’Onofrio) and his henchman.
Danny has to contend with the fact that the solution to his wife’s killing isn’t quite what he expected.
The Salton Sea co-stars Adam Goldberg, Meat Loaf, Luis Guzman, and Azura Skye.
Running time: 103 minutes
Released by Warner, April 26, 2002
