Salt

The film Salt (2010) is a suspenseful Action/Thriller in which Evelyn Salt a.k.a. Nathasha Chenkov (Angelina Jolie) works for the CIA by helping uncover Russian moles/spies in the government. On the anniversary of her marriage to Arachnologist Mike Krause (August Diehl), a older Russian man comes forward with information on a Russian Sleeper Spy who's going to kill the President of Russia in just a few days time. The name he gives is "Evelyn Salt." Salt, swearing she is not who he says she is, knows that when a spy is sought after, the people seeking them find their covers as well- their families. She frantically calls her husband with no answer, and attempts to flee her coworkers and boss, Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber) and man who suspects her of foul play most, Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor). After a grueling chase, her husband still missing, she leaves us all with a question: Is she a spy, or not? And if so, where do her loyalties lie?

This film was written by Kurt Wimmer as an original screenplay, who also wrote Law Abiding Citizen (2009) and Ultraviolet (2006). It was directed by Phillip Noyce, a somewhat less well-known name. An interesting fact about this movie is that it was originally written to be starred in by Tom Cruise, and was re-written to star Angelina Jolie, instead. It was orignally titled, The Far-Reaching Philosophy of Edwin A. Salt, later shortened to just Edwin A. Salt when picked up by Columbia Pictures in 2007. Tom Cruise was attracted to the role, but ultimately turned it down when he felt the lead role too closely resembled his role in Mission Impossible. Angelia Jolie, to her credit, had previously turned down a role as a James Bond girl, saying she would, "rather play Bond himself." This is what led Noyce to her, and drastically changed the screenplay that Wimmer had produced, but not without his permission, and certainly not the attitudes and themes it held.

 

Being an action movie, this film is certainly notable for its coreographed violence, intriguing fighting tactics, and creative ways of "getting away." There is more than one remarkable scene in the movie in which Jolie performs quite well, and the camera loves her. But this movie also features some amazing prostetic work which is done to Jolie's face to make her look like a Russian man in Act 2. Her hair is cut, and- similar to the work done in White Chicks (but of COURSE more realistic)- her face, ears, and hands are changed before us. However, we can still tell its her because of her distinguishing eyes. The work is very well done. The soundtrack is also extremely fitting to the work being done. It was not written by any one person, but is rather a collection of artists. However, it does feel remotely similar to the work of composer Hans Zimmer. If you are familiar with and enjoy him, then you will also most likely enjoy this.

This film has three versions: The Theatrical Version, The Director's Cut, and The Extended Version. As not to include spoilers, I will not state the differences between them except to say that The Theatrical version is 100 minutes long, The Director's Cut is 104 minutes long, and The Extended Version is 101 minutes long, with a different ending than the first two and rearranged scenes throughout for a different feel. My personal suggestion is ALWAYS to go with The Director's cut, as it's the material in the rawest form possible as it was conceived by the authors, without the generalization and censorship of producers and the like.

Overall, I did like this movie. The action was enticing, the costumes were fitting- Angelia Jolie is fucking beautiful, and also makes a very cute tom-boy- and the whole movie moves very quickly. There are twists and turns and surprises for the audience, even if you try to figure her out. The only complaint I have is that I wish I knew more about her character, which is less common in an action movie, but I wanted to have a bit more of a connection to her as the protagonist. Still, definitely keeps you watching.