The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea

Year: 2002

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: D.J. Caruso

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Haunted by the loss of his wife, a man journeys into the harsh environment of the Salton Sea, searching for solace and answers. His path crosses with a laid-back drifter known as Jimmy "The Finn" and a complex neighbor, Colette, as he investigates the circumstances surrounding his loss. Through unexpected connections, he confronts buried secrets and navigates a complicated network of deception, hoping to find a way to heal and move forward.

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Timeline & Setting – The Salton Sea (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Salton Sea (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2000s

The film is set in the contemporary landscape of the 2000s, a time marked by the rise of recreational drug use, particularly crystal meth. This period reflects societal struggles with addiction, police corruption, and the criminal underworld that pervaded many urban environments. The narrative offers a stark portrayal of life marked by moral ambiguity and personal tragedy.

Location

Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is a vast, saline lake located in California’s desert region. Once a popular tourist destination, it has become a shadow of its former self, characterized by abandoned buildings and ecological challenges. The area surrounding the Salton Sea is marked by its desolate beauty and haunting remnants of a once-thriving community.

🏞️ Scenic 🌊 Waterbody 🌵 Desert

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

Main Characters – The Salton Sea (2002)

Meet the key characters of The Salton Sea (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tom Van Allen / Danny Parker (Val Kilmer)

Tom Van Allen, also known as Danny Parker, is a deeply conflicted character showcasing the duality of a talented musician and a struggling addict. His journey is marked by trauma and loss, leading him to desperate measures as he grapples with his identity and moral choices. Danny evolves throughout the film, as he confronts his demons and navigates the criminal underworld.

🎷 Musician 💔 Tragic 💊 Addict

Collette (Deborah Kara Unger)

Collette represents a beacon of humanity in Danny's turbulent life, providing emotional depth and connection amidst the chaos. Her character embodies hope and resilience, contrasting sharply with the dark influences surrounding Danny. Throughout the film, Collette's presence serves as a catalyst for Danny's reflections on love, loss, and redemption.

❤️ Love ✨ Hope 🦸‍♀️ Resilience

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

Major Themes – The Salton Sea (2002)

Explore the central themes of The Salton Sea (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme in the movie, embodied by the protagonist's struggle to cope with the loss of his wife. The depth of his sorrow drives him into a world of addiction and revenge, showcasing how unresolved trauma can lead to destructive choices. The film poignantly illustrates the personal battles that arise in the wake of profound loss.

⚖️ Vengeance

Vengeance serves as a motivating force in Danny's journey as he seeks to confront those who wronged him. This theme intertwines with his quest for redemption, complicating his moral compass and pushing him further into darkness. The narrative poses questions about justice and the true cost of revenge against a backdrop of chaos.

🌪️ Addiction

The destructive nature of addiction is vividly portrayed through Danny's dual life as a trumpet player and a speed addict. This theme highlights the chaos and despair wrought by substance abuse, contrasting moments of clarity with the depths of madness. The film delves into how addiction influences one's relationships and perceptions of reality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:41

Unlock the Full Story of The Salton Sea

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Salton Sea in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Salton Sea is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Salton Sea Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Salton Sea, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Salton Sea Summary

The Salton Sea Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Salton Sea with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Salton Sea Timeline

More About The Salton Sea

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Salton Sea: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Salton Sea

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