Remembering Val Kilmer, a Powerful Actor Who Remained a Reluctant Movie Star

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In the ’80s, we witnessed a resurgence of various elements – a decade often referred to as “the era of greed,” symbolizing the reemergence of materialism with great intensity. Alongside this, there was a revival of traditional values, propelling us towards an imagined future. This transition demanded a unique type of movie star, someone who embodied a specific charm: clean-cut, handsome, and slightly conventional – as if he could blend seamlessly into a 1950s fraternity house. Tom Cruise, who reigned supreme during his time, was that ideal to perfection. And in a somewhat rougher, equally captivating manner, so was Val Kilmer, his fellow star in “Top Gun.

Kilmer possessed an old-school charm when it came to cameras. His scowl had a sensual edge, much like Marlon Brando’s, and his eyes burned with intensity. In “Top Gun,” where he portrayed Iceman, tasked with antagonizing Cruise’s Maverick, he embodied a malevolent beach bum – the type of character who won popularity contests but left you questioning their trustworthiness. Iceman’s smile was as sharp as a bite, yet he wasn’t the movie’s villain; instead, he underwent a transformation, using his need for speed to achieve a triumphant end. Although it was a supporting role, “Top Gun” skyrocketed into fame, becoming the quintessential blockbuster of the ’80s. Kilmer thrived in this newfound spotlight, showcasing the innate charisma and grace typical of a movie star.

Right from the get-go, Kilmer’s stardom was complex and, in some aspects, sadly paradoxical. He yearned for prominence on the silver screen, craving to be a leading actor. After attending Juilliard, he made his Broadway debut in 1983, starring alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon in “The Slab Boys.” These were the rising stars, all seeking a particular prestige beyond fame and glamour. However, Kilmer, whose life was marked by sorrow (his troubles began when his brother passed away in a jacuzzi following an epileptic seizure as a teenager), wasn’t as adept at navigating Hollywood as the others. It seemed his fate was to follow his passions, but also to make unconventional film choices…and then attempt to regain mainstream acceptance with even more puzzling decisions. His career was never an easy ride.

To truly appreciate Val Kilmer’s intelligence and charm as a young actor, I recommend watching “Real Genius,” a geek-chic comedy from 1985 directed by Martha Coolidge. This underrated gem of the decade showcases Kilmer as a science whiz at Pacific Tech who takes on a 15-year-old prodigy as his mentee. In this film, Kilmer gracefully navigates the role, portraying his character as an athletic elf in soft animal slippers, floating above others on a cloud of self-assuredness. His delivery is filled with a subtle touch of mock seriousness that makes lines like “I was contemplating the eternal words of Socrates, who said, ‘I imbibed what?'” particularly memorable. The entire performance is a clever dance of sarcasm that hints at Kilmer’s growing skepticism towards the stardom he was soon to encounter. Had romantic comedies been reimagined in the mid-80s, “Real Genius” suggests that Vilmer could have excelled as a rom-com maestro. However, fate had other plans. Instead, he chose to star in “Willow,” a George Lucas and Ron Howard production that initially seemed promising but ultimately flopped, leaving him adrift.

It was Jim Morrison’s ghost who stepped into the limelight when Oliver Stone chose Kilmer to star in “The Doors.” This role was a daunting challenge, as it required an actor to embody the rebellious spirit, the enigmatic charisma, and the complex essence of the most iconic rock stars. Yet, Kilmer managed to deliver, portraying Morrison as a magnificent embodiment of Dionysian excess, capturing the duality that defined Morrison: a handsome American exterior concealing profound, poetic depths. In a career-defining performance, Kilmer fully immersed himself in portraying Morrison’s tumultuous journey between glory and self-destruction, drawing from a shared connection with the late rock icon.

1991 marked a renewed prominence for Kilmer’s career. He seized this opportunity, delivering an outstanding portrayal of Elvis in “True Romance” (1992), followed by a captivating performance in the grandiose Western film “Tombstone” (1993). In this production, he brought the character of Doc Holliday, the gambler and gunslinger, to life as an elegant dandy, devouring the scenery with a delight that hinted at his unseen complexities. As the stricken Doc Holliday lies on his deathbed in the movie, it transforms into a Western version of “Camille,” and Kilmer’s performance shines brilliantly.

In “Tombstone,” Val Kilmer signaled to both the public and himself that he was a character actor in a leading man’s physique. This unique trait was instrumental in his remarkable performance in “Batman Forever” (1995), which, following “Top Gun,” might be the most successful blockbuster decision he ever made. It wasn’t necessarily an easy choice to join that franchise; the 1992 Michael Keaton sequel had been a letdown, and the memory of George Clooney and his nipple suit is best left untouched. However, Kilmer delivered something exceptional with it. His performance, marked by solemnity, haunting intensity, and an air of grandeur, was pivotal in giving Batman a darker edge. This set the stage for the portrayal template that would be echoed in Christian Bale’s and Robert Pattinson’s interpretations of the role. Kilmer was the first to suggest that beneath Batman’s armor, there might be a hint of madness.

Despite appearing successful as an actor and a star, Val Kilmer found himself struggling with the role of Batman. In truth, he despised wearing the Batman suit – not just metaphorically but literally. The rubber armor restricted his movements, muffled his hearing, and made him feel like a marionette rather than a human actor. However, was this discomfort literal or symbolic? Kilmer decided to leave the Batman series, which might seem like a courageous choice of artistic integrity over commercial success – until one considers the films he chose instead, such as “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” “The Ghost in the Darkness,” and “The Saint.” Regrettably, these movies did not fare well critically or commercially, which suggests that Kilmer’s star power began to dwindle after his departure from the Batman series.

Watching “Tombstone” today, you can’t help but be reminded of Val Kilmer’s real-life struggle with throat cancer, a battle that mirrored Doc Holliday’s tragic fate in the movie. This personal ordeal showcased remarkable courage and resilience within him. Despite his illness largely being kept secret, Kilmer eventually shared his story through his memoir “I’m a Huckleberry: A Memoir,” published in 2020. The following year, he released the documentary “Val,” which delves into home videos chronicling his life from the early ’80s. Given this intimate portrayal of his life, I believe many will be drawn to watch “Val.” I strongly suggest you do so, as it offers a deeply introspective and honest look at Kilmer’s life, exploring both his triumphs and failures, personal struggles (his divorce from Joanne Whalley in 1996 left him shattered), and the enigma that is Val Kilmer as an actor.

For quite some time, Kilmer concealed his personal traumas. His illness, diagnosed in 2015, served as a catalyst for him to confront and address many hidden aspects of his life. One of the skills exceptional actors possess is transforming their own experiences into dramatic performances. In the little-seen movie “Wonderland” from 2003, Kilmer may have executed this most poignantly, playing the porn star John C. Holmes. Holmes was a tragic figure who descended into addiction, falling fame, and violence, which seemed to be an almost inevitable part of his life. What’s astonishing is how deeply Kilmer delved into the humanity of this dark-side-of-stardom legend.

Another way to phrase it could be: Kilmer effectively portrayed his personal struggles in “Top Gun: Maverick,” powerfully conveying the affection we held for this character, and reminding us of Kilmer’s former stardom. In the movie “Val,” Kilmer humorously acknowledges that he will always be known as Iceman by pilots at every airport he visits, a testament to his unique ability – a blazing spirit hidden within icy composure.

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2025-04-02 18:52