Salvador--Special Edition [DVD] [1985]

After a remarkable and aggresisve opening score that hints at what is ahead, there follows an easy and uncomplicated start introducing the anti hero, the washed up amoral photo journalist Richard Boyle (James Woods) casually making one final throw of his career dice: a trip with Doctor Rock (James Belushi) to El Salvador to cover growing civil unrest. Within minutes the ride accelerates; through Wood's camera lens, all the characters of a civil war unfold (the secret police/the innocent/the soldiers/the church/the death squads/the culture of both sides). The genius of Stone here is that he perfectly combines the micro (the effect on individual emotions and daily lives) with the bigger issues (the method of decision making and impact of US foreign policy). There are a few big twists along the way and they are shocking and yes, depressing. John Savage gives a great performance as the fearless war photographer John Cassady. The approach to the climax is gripping - as civil war intesifies, Stone focuses the lens further into Woods: his changing emotions, his move from an observer to a participating victim, his frantic attempts to help those around him. The pace just gets faster with every minute.

Overall, a film that sharpely portrays individual brutality and abuse of power. Clearly there is a political message that Stone is pressing - the impact of US foreign policy militarily supporting a corrupt government against the wishes of a democratic majority (topical!). Is it historically accurate? Is it propaganda? What we do know is that the movie had an advisor who was killed in El Salvador during production. Perhaps it should be taken at face value - a brilliant piece of film making.

My favourite scene: "HEFE, IMPORTANTO!!"

Salvador tells the true story of Richard Boyle, a photographer and journalist played magnificently and charismatically by the highly underrated James Wood. The character is dislikeable but is complimented by his drug-fuelled sidekick played by Jim Belushi.

With such a controversial and gritty subject matter it needed a Director to give it some edge. Oliver Stone does this superbly, he delves into an upsetting storyline, which many people try not to think about, it’s a very controversial film, which Oliver Stone is recognised for. It shows the atrocities of war and is handled without any sympathy for the viewer, dead bodies are everywhere and a strong political statement is made, showing what a mess was being made in El Salvador at the time and how the public were not made aware of this subject matter.

It is a very powerful movie and nothing tries to deter that, there are very controversial scenes and it is not for the weak hearted but this is what helps it in being such a powerful movie. It isn’t discussed as much as some of Oliver’s other work, but it is by no means not as good. I would consider it way up there with platoon and JFK, if not better. Stunning and an absolute must see.