Salvador (1986)
TOMATOMETER
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AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Despite its somewhat disjointed narrative, Oliver Stone's Salvador is a vivid and powerful political drama that sets an early tone for the director's similarly provocative future projects.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as Richard Boyle
as Doctor Rock
as Ambassador Thomas Kelly
as John Cassady
as Maria
as Maj. Max
as Jack Morgan
as Cathy Moore
as Col. Hyde
as Col. Hyde
as Pauline Axelrod
as Archbishop Romero
as Col. Julio Figueroa
as Army Lieutenant
as Human Rights Leader
as Bodyguard to Major Max
as His Assistant
as Maria's Brother
as Australian Reporter
as French Reporter
as Maj. Max's Assistant
as Roberto, Restaurant Owner
as U.S. Customs Official
as Young Student Killed
as Woman Rebel
as Rebel Youth
as Dog Attendant
as Immigration Officer on Bus
as Boyle's Baby
as Immigration Officer on Bus
as Landlord, San Francisco
as Maria's Daughter
as Boyle's Baby
as Sister Stan
as 2nd Immigration Officer
as Sister Burkit
as Sister Wagner
as Kelly Assistant
as WAC at Party
as Romero Assassin
as Cop in San Francisco
as Death Squad
as Death Squad
as Mayor at Nun's Burial
as Jefe at Customs Shed
as Rapist
as Customs Officer
as Customs Officer
as Customs Officer
as Customs Officer
as Wilma
as Bruja
as Rapist
as Rapist
as Young Student Killed
as Maria's Son
as Road Block Thug
as Road Block Thug
as Jail Guard
as Carlos' Friend
as Carlos' Friend
as Executed Lieutenant
as Messenger on Horse
as Bodyguard to Major Max
as Maria's Grandmother
as GI in Salvador
as US Customs Official
as Mamma Moncha at Panama Club
as Kelly
as Tic Tac Monster in Cafe
as Capt. Marti
as Cathy Moore
Critic Reviews for Salvador
All Critics (24) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (22) | Rotten (2) | DVD (6)
The polemic may seem obvious and at times laboured, but the action sequences are brilliant, and the film does achieve a brutal, often very moving, power.
The tale of American photojournalist Richard Boyle's adventures in strife-torn Central America, Salvador is as raw, difficult, compelling, unreasonable, reckless and vivid as its protagonist.
One look at the youthful, idealistic guerrillas, accompanied everywhere by folk music, and you know where Mr. Stone's heart lies.
Salvador is long and disjointed and tries to tell too many stories...But the heart of the movie is fascinating.
Borgesian critique, or exotic backdrop for a scoundrel's Hollywood redemption?
Though structurally messy and with uneven dialogue, Stone's independent movie captures vividly the cool, rush, and hysteria of jaded leftist American journos in the political chaos of El Slavaodr in 1980-81; James Woods Oscar-nominated turn is brilliant
Audience Reviews for Salvador
"..... remains one of his strongest works to date." Maybe so, but I found it quite dated.
Super Reviewer
Not Oliver Stone's first film, but definitely the first to really show the direction his career would be taking (politically charged, hauntingly dramatic, very strong sense of vision and message). And, this was released the same year as his landmark Platoon, so 1986 was one great year for him. Another thing about this movie that would become a Stone trademark is that it's based on actual events, with the script co-written by Stone and the subject of the film, in this case journalist Richard Boyle and his exploits in civil war torn El Salvador in the 1980s. Boyle was basically a washed up sleazy gonzo journalist who, ever the opportunist, decided to go to El Salvador (well, return as it were) to make a quick buck getting photos of the tumultuous uprising going on. Along for the ride is his friend the American DJ Dr. Rock, who, like many from the U.S. was initially ignorant of what was going on. As the things they see and experience get more harrowing and brutal though, Boyle becomes enlightened and rather than just be there to cash in on thigns, becomes a crusader who regains his lost soul and humanity. The film is really gritty and sometimes ugly, but it fits the subject matter perfectly. There's some great cinematography here, and the location shooting really helps, too. The great about this film is that Boyle is not really all that likeable of a guy. He's sleazy, opportunistic, and hedonistic, but he's still a fascinating guy, so that's what makes the film watchable. Plus, he does grow and change and earn the audience's care. James Woods really shines here as Boyle, and his Oscar nomination was much deserved. This is the second film I've watched recently with James Belushi in a dramatic role, and this one really cements my belief that he's a talent that has unfortunately fallen by the wayside. He's great as Dr. Rock, and seeing him and Woods together is quite reminiscent of a less zonkeed out Hunter S. Thompson sort of tale. I'll admit that I really wasn't too familair with Boyle, or the situation in El Salvador. Sure, I've heard of it, but prior ot seeing this I couldn't really tell you anything about it. Basically the U.S. supplied military aid to the country to help root out the spread of communism, but the tactics used by the anti-communists were so brutal and vile that they pretty much reflected the actions of those they were trying to defeat. It's bitterly ironic, and some very compelling material, especially when you have these two down and out gringos swept up in the middle of things. Stone can be a very challenging filmmaker with some tough films. This is one of those, but it also is rather accessbile. It does help to have a strong stomach though, and to be able to handle a lead that isn't usually all that likeable. If you can do that, then this will be a good film to give a watch.
Super Reviewer
Off-beat actor meets eccentric director meets gritty material.
Super Reviewer
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