10 Outstanding Performances by Val Kilmer

      The late, great Val Kilmer had a diverse career filled with unforgettable roles and films. Here are ten of his most notable performances.

      Kilmer’s journey as a Hollywood icon was consistently intriguing. Depending on the film set, he could be seen as an enigmatic genius, a fun collaborator, or a challenging presence for directors. What is indisputable is the diversity in Kilmer’s career and his outstanding on-screen presence. He skillfully transitioned between portraying intense antagonists, complex (anti)heroes, and talented comedians.

      Kilmer was never short of interesting and often underrated for his talent (critics sometimes lambasted him instead of offering praise). While he certainly had a few forgettable projects that contributed to a dip in his later career, leading to straight-to-video releases (and battling health issues), his legacy remains undeniable. Many grew up with his iconic roles as Mad Martigan and Batman, alongside memorable performances in several remarkable 90s films like Heat, Tombstone, and The Doors, all of which continue to be appreciated. Here are ten of the late Val Kilmer's standout performances:

      **Batman Forever**

      Regarding Batman films, Joel Schumacher's initial attempt at the cape and cowl adventures was an intriguing one. While it was financially successful, it received mixed reactions from fans. Nevertheless, many comic book purists felt that Val Kilmer portrayed Wayne in a manner that resonated more with the character than anyone else. Although I’m a Keaton fan myself, Kilmer offered a witty and dynamic interpretation. Christian Bale took a more intense and stoic approach, which was true to some iterations but heavier than others.

      However, none of the interpretations of Wayne had the enigmatic quality that Kilmer brought. He infused the character with ambiguity in moments, portraying a figure known for his contained dark rage. Kilmer added a layer of complexity that is increasingly appreciated in hindsight, especially after the initial indifference from fans and critics towards his performance (particularly in contrast to Keaton’s more pronounced style). Kilmer’s portrayal of Batman can be likened to what Dalton was for Bond.

      The film does have its flaws and inconsistencies, and the villains disappointingly miss the mark, but Kilmer excelled in his role, and there are also interesting moments featuring Dick Grayson. It raises the question of what might have been if they had adopted a darker tone for the villains and avoided miscasting (especially with Tommy Lee Jones).

      **Heat**

      Heat was surprisingly snubbed during the 1995-96 awards season. While it was a competitive year for films, there were several nominees that paled in comparison to Heat. Michael Mann’s remarkable and intricate opus was filled with captivating character narratives, mostly revolving around the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Pacino and De Niro.

      Impeccably crafted with exceptional dialogue and, yes, one of the greatest shootouts ever depicted on film. The film’s greatest challenge during Award season may have been deciding which actor, Pacino or De Niro, deserved the lead actor nomination, causing most to abstain from making a definitive choice. Ultimately, Heat likely boasts the most enduring legacy of any film that year, rivaled only by Se7en.

      One of the most compelling performances comes from Kilmer as Chris, who grapples with a self-destructive habit of squandering his ill-gotten wealth and navigates a crumbling relationship with a woman he loves, even as he recognizes the pain he inflicts. Some of the most poignant emotional moments arise from Chris, particularly during his final farewell to Ashley Judd.

      **Willow**

      In a time overflowing with fantasy adventure flicks (some of which were quite entertaining), Willow stood out as one of the strongest entries. Packed with action, magic, and featuring an unassuming hero portrayed by Warwick Davis, the film also included a classic archetype found commonly in such films, ‘the Han Solo.’ Here, we have the charismatic anti-hero, Madmartigan, brought to life by Kilmer.

      By the end, he inevitably rises to champion the cause of good over self-interest, but Kilmer’s charm truly elevates his performance beyond many who attempted to capture even a fraction of what Harrison Ford achieved so effortlessly. He brings a joyful energy to the role, making his evolution into a hero genuinely captivating. Willow remains a delight to watch.

      **Kiss Kiss Bang Bang**

      In 2005, Kilmer had diminished visibility, with better roles appearing in films that went unnoticed, and the impact of Red Planet significantly damaging his status as a leading man. Then Shane Black released Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which provided Robert Downey Jr. a perfect comeback film that played to his strengths and delivered Kilmer a show-stealing role he executed brilliantly.

      Unfortunately, far too few people saw Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a classic and quirky neo-noir buddy film. Black attempted to replicate its style with The Nice Guys, a slightly larger-scale production featuring Russell Crow