Fractured Russian US relations have proved prevalent material for film makers since the Cold War. At a time when Russian spies have been discovered living as US citizens and the US president attempts to improve relations between the two super powers, Salt is both prescient and unwelcome. Fortunately, for those Americans hoping to keep ties with Russia friendly, Salt is poor all over and immediately forgettable.
Even the presence of Angelia Jolie cannot prove enough distraction from this film’s lack of energy, but this is not for lack of trying. Director Phillip Noyce, who has directed sold thrillers, most notably The Quiet American (2002), struggles to inject excitement into the set pieces. The speed and style of the action attempts to emulate the Bourne Trilogy (2002 – 2007), but is a poor imitation that feels less like referencing and more like plagiarism. While on paper the characters may have been richly drawn, the direction offers them little chance to develop and the wooden manner in which the dialogue is delivered suggests the actors have little belief in the story. In short, Salt is lazy entertainment that lacks bite.
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