Who's SALT?

Agent Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) is a Russian spy. Or is she not? At least that’s what Orlov, a Russian defector, claims. Salt becomes the number one suspect for the anticipated terrorist attack against the U.S. President. All she can do is run and hide, trying to escape from a highly qualified police force.

Salt’s a tasted recipe; maybe with a little extra salt on the top. It makes it tastier, no doubt about that. It’s a movie of no imagination though. Of course there is a plot. But you can’t depend on a subversive scenario, conspiracies, stunts and a model for an agent, cause it’s all said and done before. No imagination here. If it wasn’t for Angelina and a far from derogatory promotion, I don’t know how many people would actually visit theaters for this kind of movie. An actress like this could easily mix up the image of a seemingly modest film and upgrade it to a much higher level.

Maybe the plot could be described by force as interesting complex; they kind of lost it in the way of presenting it. A good idea should be presented in an inspiring way. That’s what at least I find tempting and promising. And that’s exactly where I believe this movie failed. There was a lack of inspiration on how the story was said. Old fashioned, safe, tasted way. No exceptions, no experiments. Just pay attention: manhunt, chases, dangerous stunts and a skinny woman beating harder than Hulk Hogan in WWF. Hollywood I know, but it’s not tagged as a science fiction movie! There must be an explanation why initially there was a man in Jolie’s shoes and more specifically that man was Tom Cruise. Obviously the character is more congenial to a woman…

If I had to pick an actor it would be really difficult. No weird characters, no special acting skills. With a cast of this range they could easily shoot anything. I don’t want to underestimate anyone’s performance of course. But in this movie the stuntmen had a lot more homework to do…

It may seem contradictory to the previous, but I enjoyed the film. Really, it was fun in that small plant kingdom of my neighborhood summer movie theater. You won’t get bored. Of that I can guarantee. But you’ll probably forget about it a week later. You can wait for the DVD of course. Till then, remind me of the plot please.

Who's SALT?

Saturday Night Movie Suggestion - Gone Baby Gone

The story begins with shots of a busy street in Boston. Sirens screaming, people in crowds, journalists broadcasting, police everywhere, women crying. A little girl is missing. A four-year old blonde girl has been kidnapped. A young couple, just a few blocks away, is watching the news. Patrick (Casey Affleck) and Angie (Michelle Monaghan) are private investigators, unaware of the fact that few hours later they’re going to be asked to take over the case. The header of the police department Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman) assigns the case to one of his most experienced detectives Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) in order to help Patrick. After a series of researches and interrogations, there’s still something missing.

Gone Baby Gone is Ben Affleck’s first directing attempt and to my humble opinion couldn’t have done better. The story-transfer from Dennis Lehane’s (“Mystic River”, “Shutter Island”) homonymous novel bears also Ben Affleck’s signature along with Aaron Stockard’s. The film was nominated for an Oscar and won a long list of awards. It was rated R for violence, drugs and language.

The movie goes fast… And I mean fast! Ben Affleck confessed that he skipped many parts of the book in order to fit the film in a reasonable and acceptable time limit. I haven’t read the book so I couldn’t possibly know what he’s cut out, but I do know that he hasn’t put a single superfluous shot even though he had his chance more than once. No procedures, no preparations, no introductions, no babble. Goes straight to the point with quick alternant shots, not interested in the procedure but only the outcome. This specificity in plot with all its difficulties turns out to become his advantage.

The actor-director Affleck gives the leading role to his little brother, who’s not going to disappoint him. Casey’s raucous voice matches perfectly to the narrative character of his role, not to underestimate his laudable performance. Two vets cover the supporting roles, adding an extra quality to the film. What deserves special attention is the amazing performance of Amy Ryan (Oscar nomination) who lost the Academy Award from the equally fantastic Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton – 2008 Awards). She is absolutely disarming, giving her touch and unique interpretation on how a low-mental-status, junkie mother should look, move even feel, when the most remarkable moments are when she speaks through silence. I truly believe she is the finishing touch at an already commendable production.

So let’s see: we have a good story (!), good director (!), good actors (!) is it a good movie then? Well I think it is. It’s not that you haven’t seen one of these before. It’s because you HAVE seen one of these before and yet this one is going to stick with you for a little longer. Huge decisions, ethical quandaries, tiny little humans. End titles and you find yourself wondering: “What would I do?”

Till next Saturday… enjoy!

Saturday Night Movie Suggestion - Gone Baby Gone