Val Kilmer
From one Batman to another Batman… Val Kilmer suffered from an even worse post-franchise collapse than Michael Keaton. If you can name three movies in which Kilmer appeared in a starring role during the 21st century without checking IMDb, I would be very impressed. (And, no, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang does not count, since that was more of a Robert Downey Jr. show, although Kilmer did do a fine job there).
Kilmer was red hot about about 15 to 20 years ago, where he played parts as varied as John Holmes and Jim Morrison; however, like those real-life people, his sensation of being on top didn’t quite last. His scarce presence at the multiplex since the late 1990s opens up a potential for a comeback on the small screen. Kilmer has both Shakespearean training and a fantastic deadpan look when facing goofier material (see MacGruber), meaning that he is good company in a variety of genres. The cheeky humour he brought to Gay Perry in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang would also prove that he has the panache to make fun of his brooding persona.
Perhaps the able-bodied, deep-voiced star has what it takes to be a featured star on a western. With Deadwood and Hell on Wheels, the genre seems to have a more prolific presence on cable than network TV. (I mean, there are those with fond memories of Tombstone, right?)
Published: Oct 9, 2013 04:55 pm