This year, we lost a very distinct and charismatic talent who left his mark on a generation of movie goers, and thus, the time felt right to put a spotlight on Val Killmer. The thing I loved most about Val is that he wasn’t confined to one specific genre of film, in fact, he touched just about every category under the sun. You name it, Westerns, Comedies, Action, Drama’s, Horror, Fantasy Adventure, Superhero’s, Crime Thrillers, Musical Biopics, and family entertainment … just to name a few.
Even if you’re not a fan of the
actor, you’ve probably seen him more than once. For me, he was certainly a
familiar screen presence who I was always happy to have as part of a movie
going experience. I’ve certainly had my share of favorable movies with him, and
I wanted to keep things simple by ranking my own personal favorite Val Killmer
movie roles. This isn’t meant to be an objective best of list, just the roles
that have stuck with me as a fan. Also, the 2021 documentary “Val” is an
exceptional deep dive into the life and struggles of the actor … highly encouraged
viewing for any long-time fan of Val Killmer to watch it. With all that said,
here are my top 10 personal favorite Val Killmer movie roles.
#10 Val as Simon Templar from “The Saint” (1997)
Based on the successful spy series of the same name, we see Val portray the suave and charismatic international thief named Simon Templar, a man who adorns several looks and persona’s, each of whom are named after different Roman Catholic Saints. For this venture, he’s on a mission to steal a profitable formula for cold fusion from a scientist played by Elisabeth Shue. The two become the targets of a group of international villains, and through many exciting chases, the two gradually develop a romance.
Admittedly, this film is far from perfect, and even a little
boring in spots … but it’s certainly an engaging showcase for Val Kilmer, as he
adorns all these different disguises and personalities. While I’ve seen actors take
on several portrayals in a single movie, Val again brings that distinct flair
and charm that’s all his own as he takes on all these different personalities,
and for that, this film … and by extent his lead role … has stuck with me.
#9 Val as Colonel John Henry Patterson from “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996)
Not too many actors can say they battled rouge lions … but that’s just what Killmer did in this often-overlooked primal thriller from the mid-90’s. Admittedly, this is one case in which my feelings for the movie itself are stronger than Val’s performance, as this is often cited as one of his weaker roles portraying real life Colonel John Henry Patterson. In fact, he was even nominated a Rassie Award for worst supporting actor, largely due to his inconsistent Irish Accent, and frequently getting upstaged by his co-star Michael Douglas.
All that being
said, I feel Val delivers in the moments that count … his clear love for Africa
is a perfect contrast to his displeasure of being in a situation in which he
has to hunt lions ... but he also delivers the fear and adrenaline when he finds
himself becoming the hunted. It’s a mixed portrayal but still cool to have him featured
in what I consider one of the superior animal-attack themed horror movies.
#8 Val as private investigator Perry van Shrike in “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang” (2005)
Long after Val hung up his Batman costume, and before Robert Downey Jr. suited up as Iron Man, the two paired up in this high energy buddy cop comedy. Under the solid direction of Shane Black, this film delivers both action and laughs, and whenever the film threatens to buckle with it’s over the top tone and presentation, the chemistry of our two leads always carries me through.
Robert
Downey Jr. is more dimwitted and openly expressive, while Val Killmer is more
restrained and serious, yet still overflowing with personality. Honestly, this
might just be Val Killmer’s funniest role, and Robert Downey Jr. is easily one
of my favorite actors he’s ever worked alongside. In general, “Kiss, Kiss,
Bang, Bang” is not a movie for everyone, but anyone who’s a fan of these two
talents needs to see it.
#7 Val as Madmartigan from “Willow” (1988)
While I’ve never viewed “Willow” as a classic, I still look back on this old 80’s fantasy adventure with great fondness and enjoyment. The cast is wonderful, with Val Killmer in one of his more underrated roles. Here, he’s the ruggish, yet dashing swordsman Madmartigan. What could have been a one-note fantasy hero character is brought to life through Val’s energy and charisma.
It’s honestly very different from
other character portrayals he’s done and highlights the range he had. In many
ways, his portrayal of Madmartigan feels like a precursor to the roles Jonny
Depp would popularize. Of course, his chemistry with his co-star’s is
outstanding, especially Joanne Whalley as love interest Sorsha … it’s no-wonder
the two talents got married shortly after this.
#6 Val as Nick Rivers from “Top Secret!” (1984)
Here it is, Val Killmer’s very first movie, and it’s an over-the-top comedy in which he plays a satirical hybrid of Elvis Presley and Steve McQueen’s The Cooler King from “The Great Escape”. Presented by the Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker team who delivered classic comedy spoofs like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad”, they once again present the world of “Top Secret!” as a live-action cartoon, with straight faced characters acting along with the loony environment. In many respects, this could have been a disastrous first movie for Val, but his personality is on point, as he takes control of a sequence, despite being in a setting that’s out of control.
At
times he’s appropriately acting at odds with the silly visual gags, but other
times he’s also throwing himself out there when it’s time for a goofy song or fight
sequence. There’s an especially fun punch-out underwater, and a number of toe-tapping
song and dance numbers, including Val’s very fun and goofy rendition of Little
Richards “Tutti Frutti”.
#5 Val as Chris Shiherlis from “Heat” (1995)
As far as I’m concerned, Michael Mann’s 1995 crime thriller “Heat” is one of the all-time great classics of the genre, with stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro delivering two of their most iconic roles as a hardwired cop and hardened mob boss. Not to be overlooked is Val Killmer as Chris Shiherlis, a professional crook working under Robert De Niro’s antagonistic Mob Boss.
While Val is very much an antagonist in the narrative, he’s also the protagonist of his own story, as he’s desperate to keep his marriage together, while also upholding his loyalty to his ruthless boss. From an action perspective, it’s one of Val’s best portrayals,
from the way he carries himself in his combat movements and expert handling of firearms.
It’s all around a great classic with an iconic cast, and Val genuinely elevates
the quality, even though it’s a supporting role.
#4 Val as Iceman from “Top Gun” (1986) & “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022)
While Tom Cruise as Lt. Maverick is the face of the film, my favorite character from this 80’s action classic was always “Iceman” played by Val Kilmer. He was another hot shot pilot who’s a rival with Tom Cruise’s lead character Maverick, but he isn’t a one-note bully either. He actually expresses a reasonable amount of concern for our leads fly-by the seat attitude, which is perfectly valid. While we do cheer for Maverick, he certainly isn’t a perfect person, so it’s great that the rival character is the one to call him out yet also show respect for his opponents flying skills.
Seeing them from mutual respect for one another
was truthfully in my opinion the most touching character arc of the film. The
emotions run even deeper in the sequel “Maverick”, which made this the
only time Val Killmer ever reprised a role for a sequel, and even though it was
short, his friendship with Tom Cruise’s lead Maverick was just as meaningful as ever.
#3 Val as Batman/Bruce Wayne from “Batman Forever” (1995)
Batman in general is one of my all-time favorite characters … and any actor who portrays him on film will always have a special place in my heart. Despite only portraying the Dark Knight once, 1995’s “Batman Forever” was my childhood favorite, making Val the talent I most associated with the character in my early years. Rose tinted glasses aside, I think he’s very under-appreciated in the role. Val manages to bring some dimension to both Batman and Bruce Wane in his own distinct way, and while he’s stuck with some really corny lines, he still delivers a perfectly passable performance. At face value, of all the actors to play Batman, Val Kilmer has a real-life personality that feels closest to the character, so you can almost make the argument that he really was Batman. In fact, Bob Kane, the original creator of Batman singled Killmer out as his favorite portrayal of his character.
With Val, you can clearly see the two
faces at work, one being the cool superhero, and the other being a tormented
man who just wants a normal life. For a fun side note, on the 2021 documentary
“Val”, he revealed that when he was first called for the role, he was
actually exploring a bat-cave in Australia … as if it was just meant to be.
#2 Val as Moses (and the voice of God) in “The Prince of Egypt” (1998)
Moses is commonly depicted as someone larger than life, whereas this movie scales him down as an every-man, with a larger-than-life responsibility on his shoulders. There’s great wisdom and kindness conveyed through the character, but also a human sense of regret and uncertainty. At the center of this portrayal is vocal talent Val Kilmer, who brought Moses to life masterfully. He really challenges that perfect mix of a holly man doing God’s will, while also conveying a sense that he’s just a regular guy, trying to accomplish something greater than himself.
Val Kilmer also provides the voice
of God, which was a brilliant idea. One lesson that always stuck with me from
my youthful upbringing was that our conscious can be interpreted as God
speaking to you through your own voice ... which can be applied to the burning bush scene from this film. Being honest, if I were arranging this list based on how much the movies
themselves mean to me, then “The Prince of Egypt” would be my number one
personal favorite film that Val Killmer happened to act in. That being said,
this list is structured on favorite performances, and there’s one other that I
feel best highlights Val Kilmer as a memorable screen presence.
Before I
reveal my number one favorite Val Kilmer movie role, here are some quick Honorable
Mentions …
Val as Jim Morrison in “The Doors” (1991)
Val as Bob Henry in “Joe the King” (1999)
Val as Agent
Paul in “Déjà Vu” (2006)
Val as Ray
Levoi in “Thunderheart” (1992)
Val as Lt.
Jim Ducharme in “The Missing” (2003)
#1 Val as Doc Holliday from “Tombstone” (1993)
While this wasn’t Val Kilmer’s first movie, nor the film that launched his star power, it is unmistakably the role that immortalized his acting career in the mainstream, and the point when he became everybody’s Huckleberry. Despite being a romanticized take on a real person, the Doc was still an exceptionally well written character, and Val Killmer made every single moment portraying him pop on the screen, with quotable lines, and a cool, laidback attitude.
It says a lot when he can upstage a gun slinger in one scene simply by playing with a cup. He’s a sharp shooting, poetry quoting, poker playing, elegant tough guy who lives every day like it was his last, largely on account of his tuberculosis. As such, he has an unflinching nature in the face of danger, which only enhances his cool factor.
He was a humorous character, but also a tragic one, a character who runs the gambit between being intimidating and tough as nails to fragile and sympathetic. It’s the kind of character every actor dreams of playing, and Val Killmer owned it. Across his whole acting career, I’m surprised Val Killmer never got any Oscar recognition … and of all his memorable roles, his portrayal of Doc Holiday absolutely deserved an Oscar nod. So … here’s to Val, may he rest in peace, and be remembered through his distinct career.
Thanks for
reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies and acting talents you Love!
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