The Salton Sea

The feature film debut of producer and TV director D.J. Caruso , this pulpy noir mystery is a dark tale of redemption set among southern California crystal methamphetamine "tweakers." Val Kilmer stars as Danny Parker, a former trumpet player who has become a tattooed speed freak living in a cesspool of murderous dealers and hardcore addicts near the desert lake of the title. Danny's fall from grace is the result of a hidden agenda, however — he's seeking answers about the murder of his beloved wife. He's also working undercover for a pair of brutal narcotics cops ( Anthony Lapaglia and Doug Hutchison ), while trying to rescue his beautiful neighbor Colette ( Deborah Kara Unger ) from an abusive situation and her own demons. As he and his slacker buddy Jimmy the Fin ( Peter Sarsgaard ) are antagonized by the sadistic, noseless dealer Pooh Bear ( Vincent D'Onofrio ) and his henchman, Danny draws closer to the truth about his wife's death, but the crime's solution isn't quite what he expected. Produced by Frank Darabont , The Salton Sea co-stars Adam Goldberg , Meat Loaf , Luis Guzman , and Azura Skye . — Karl Williams