2010 31
SALT – Film Review
These days, Angelina Jolie is better- known as a mother, humanitarian, sex symbol, tabloid target, style icon and- possibly- superhero, so it’s almost a surprise to be reminded that she occasionally does movies as well. Salt is her new release, a science fiction- flavored spy thriller which positions her as an action star.
She is Evelyn Salt, a CIA syperspy who may or may not be a double agent and goes on the run, while her former colleagues (played by the always entertaining Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor) try to bring her down. There isn’t much to say about the plot really. We have seen it all before, but it’s reasonably well- executed stuff. Phillip Noyce directs and (while he is no auteur or anything) his slick style succeeds in showcasing his star. And she delivers. Whatever your opinion about Jolie, she seems to be enjoying herself immensely escaping from the authorities, playing with impossible gadgets and kicking ass with relish. The script was written by Brian Helgeland and Kurt Wimmer and its Wimmer’s influence that’s more evident here. Wimmer is the director of preposterous but fun sci- fi / martial arts hybrids like Equilibrium and Ultraviolet and his futuristic, pulpy sensibilities form the backdrop of Salt. 
It all comes back to Jolie though. Salt was supposed to be a star vehicle for Tom Cruise and it’s a good thing that he didn’t end up starring. The material is simply too derivative to stand on its own and casting The World’s Most Boring Scientologist wouldn’t help things. Jolie is the only reason to watch this. Her career plan seems to be to alternate between “serious”, oscar- worthy roles and action stuff. And frankly, that is a pity. Years after she burst on the scene, we are constantly told what a great star she is, but Hollywood still has no idea what to do with her. For better or for worse, she is too sensual and larger than life to play ordinary roles (which is why a film like Changelling- where she plays a poor, descent mother- was worthy and dull). On the other hand, the action- adventure roles that she gets are usually a waste of her talents (the unwatchable Tom Raider franchise is a case in point). What’s the point of being a tattooed, omnisexual icon, if you appear mostly in garbage like Beyond Borders or Wanted?
For a popcorn movie, Salt is perfectly OK. But I suspect that Jolie would be better served by working with visionary directors and taking edgier roles than this harmless fluff.
(-Dimitris Kontogiannis-)
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