The Salton Sea

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The Salton Sea

R

2002

1h 43m

Crime

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

82 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After the murder of his beloved wife, a man (Val Kilmer) in search of redemption is set adrift in a world where nothing is as it seems. On his journey, he befriends slacker Jimmy The Finn (Peter Sarsgaard), becomes involved in rescuing his neighbor Colette (Deborah Kara Unger) from her own demons, and gets entangled in a web of deceit full of unexpected twists and turns.

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Critics Consensus

A slick Tarantino-inspired movie that is not for everyone.

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Bruce Westbrook

Houston Chronicle

Repellent yet intriguing, brutal yet funny, wicked yet strangely compassionate, The Salton Sea is more about mixing genres and styles than illuminating a credible reality.

Rated: A-

Aug 23, 2002

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Robert K. Elder

Chicago Tribune

Sacrificing content for style, Caruso gives us a lot to look at but little to ponder.

Rated: 2/4

Jul 20, 2002

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Steven Rosen

Denver Post

For what it is, it's well-done -- a stylized-beyond-reality derivation of Natural Born Killers, perhaps. Or a more gonzo version of Go or Blow. But the heart has been stylized out of it.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 12, 2002

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Cynical, devious and even deviant, The Salton Sea is one psychological thrill ride you don't want to miss.

Nov 15, 2019

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 1.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

Com boas atuaes de Kilmer e D'Onofrio, o filme tem um roteiro razovel, mas sem foco. Salva-se graas ao interessante personagem principal.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 25, 2003

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James O

Marked by an ambitious style and solid performances, but hampered by a story that buries its primary focus until late in the game.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/09/25

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Tracy U

it's well-done -- a stylized-beyond-reality derivation of Natural Born Killers, perhaps. Or a more gonzo version of Go or Blow.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

Full Review

ShawBarrie A

I still randomly ask if someone brought the plastic men. Nobody gets it, and it makes me sad, but it gives me an opportunity to recommend this movie. Many times when I was younger I said we should steal Bob Hope’s poop. It’s a good conversation opener and then I can introduce people to this gem. This dark, yet funny gem.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

Full Review

Darsou C

The result is mesmerizing -- filled with menace and squalor.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 43 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starring Val Kilmer as Danny Parker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $676,700.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/25

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Janis E

I liked it because it was so endlessly, grotesquely, inventive.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

Full Review

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D.J. Caruso

Director

Val Kilmer

Danny Parker

Vincent D'Onofrio

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Synopsis

After the murder of his beloved wife, a man (Val Kilmer) in search of redemption is set adrift in a world where nothing is as it seems. On his journey, he befriends slacker Jimmy The Finn (Peter Sarsgaard), becomes involved in rescuing his neighbor Colette (Deborah Kara Unger) from her own demons, and gets entangled in a web of deceit full of unexpected twists and turns.

Director: D.J. Caruso
Producer: Frank Darabont, Eriq La Salle, Ken Aguado, Butch Robinson
Screenwriter: Tony Gayton
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Humble Journey Films, Castle Rock Entertainment, Darkwoods Productions
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Some Sexuality|Strong Violence)
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $676.7K
Runtime: 1h 43m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo

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