There's not a whole lot I can say about 'Salt' that hasn't been said already. But then I guess that's part of the difficulty in reviewing a film that's already been out for a couple of years. That said, Phillip Noyce (the director) has allowed a rather unusual opportunity with the home entertainment release of the film, providing not just the theatrical release, but two additional and completely separate cuts of the film. Though obviously following the same storyline, the characters actually develop in very different ways between versions, with pivotal moments changed, timelines altered, and major plot twists added with seeming mind-blowing nerve.
Firstly however, let's deal with the heavily reviewed basics. 'Salt' has often been described as a female Bourne; a rogue CIA agent, on the run from her previous employer and trying to clear her name. A perfect vehicle then for a gun-toting action heroine like Angelina Jolie, fresh from playing a series of very different roles in films like Tomb Raider, Mr & Mrs Smith and Wanted. Happily, (and as facetious as that point was) all that practice has paid off, leaving Angelina more than competent in this genre, and delivering an expert performance as Evelyn Salt. More favourable still that it should be a woman at all, with the original script calling for a man lead, and Tom Cruise pencilled in for the title role. Fortunate then that someone in the Hollywood executive decided that enough male spy franchises were enough, and 'Salt' is all the better for it.
In terms of the selection of film versions to choose from, we'll start from the theatrical cut. Satisfyingly, the original release does provide a better story than the Extended Cut, especially true of the ending, which is entirely different in the longer format. In fact. despite being 5 minutes shorter, the standard film has a much better flow than it's extended counterpart, showing a much greater appreciation for the development of Angelina's character throughout the story. That said, my personal recommendation would certainly be for the Director's Cut. This particular adaptation uses the preferred ending and chronology from the theatrical release, but gains the freedom to make slightly more controversial and interesting twists, adding only a minute or so of additional footage, but making enough changes to existing scenes to make them even more engaging.
In terms of criticism, most others have focussed on what is indeed a pretty convoluted plot, or rather turned against the film for its unrealistic storyline. For me, I cannot argue on either of those points, but both seem excessively picky for what is first and foremost a very engrossing piece of entertainment. Though the story does twist and turn through some shocking, and equally, some rather more predictable revelations, at no point are you ever really likely to feel confused. Indeed, it is the interesting storyline that actually provides a lot of the charm for this film, and so should not be dismissed out of hand. As for the second argument, I'd sincerely love to read the same reviewer's thoughts behind 'King Kong', 'Spiderman' and 'Transformers'. I reckon those would make for interesting reading...
Firstly however, let's deal with the heavily reviewed basics. 'Salt' has often been described as a female Bourne; a rogue CIA agent, on the run from her previous employer and trying to clear her name. A perfect vehicle then for a gun-toting action heroine like Angelina Jolie, fresh from playing a series of very different roles in films like Tomb Raider, Mr & Mrs Smith and Wanted. Happily, (and as facetious as that point was) all that practice has paid off, leaving Angelina more than competent in this genre, and delivering an expert performance as Evelyn Salt. More favourable still that it should be a woman at all, with the original script calling for a man lead, and Tom Cruise pencilled in for the title role. Fortunate then that someone in the Hollywood executive decided that enough male spy franchises were enough, and 'Salt' is all the better for it.
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| Careful... this girl can handle a fire extinguisher... |
In terms of the selection of film versions to choose from, we'll start from the theatrical cut. Satisfyingly, the original release does provide a better story than the Extended Cut, especially true of the ending, which is entirely different in the longer format. In fact. despite being 5 minutes shorter, the standard film has a much better flow than it's extended counterpart, showing a much greater appreciation for the development of Angelina's character throughout the story. That said, my personal recommendation would certainly be for the Director's Cut. This particular adaptation uses the preferred ending and chronology from the theatrical release, but gains the freedom to make slightly more controversial and interesting twists, adding only a minute or so of additional footage, but making enough changes to existing scenes to make them even more engaging.
In terms of criticism, most others have focussed on what is indeed a pretty convoluted plot, or rather turned against the film for its unrealistic storyline. For me, I cannot argue on either of those points, but both seem excessively picky for what is first and foremost a very engrossing piece of entertainment. Though the story does twist and turn through some shocking, and equally, some rather more predictable revelations, at no point are you ever really likely to feel confused. Indeed, it is the interesting storyline that actually provides a lot of the charm for this film, and so should not be dismissed out of hand. As for the second argument, I'd sincerely love to read the same reviewer's thoughts behind 'King Kong', 'Spiderman' and 'Transformers'. I reckon those would make for interesting reading...
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