'Val' A Review

Val is a documentary actor Val Kilmer. Cut from hundreds of hours of raw footage the actor shot himself over his career, home movies, and material shot in the present all narrated by Kilmer's son from narration he wrote. Sound like a lot of Val? It is!

For anyone familiar with at least some of his work, particularly his work in the 80's and 90's, this is a unique, revealing, and interesting look at the life of a well known actor. He's career is eclectic, his personality is mercurial, but he, throughout, has that same magnetism and charm that made him so compelling in Top Gun, Tombstone, et al. 

The wealth of footage is clear and there are some really wonderful backstage gems and some intriguing observations from Kilmer as he is traversing the height of his career in real time. The film is playful, whimsical, at times petulant, but always searching, in essence a pretty good reflection of the man himself. There is tragedy in Kilmer's life but it is never closely investigated, shown or discussed briefly, then cut away from so there is a some emotions left undelved, even with all this access there is a remove from the man. Which is fine, he's still alive and actively patriating in the movie so has every right to hold whatever he wants back. But. Because of that, despite all the intriguing artistry on display, despite a semi-peek behind the Hollywood curtain, there is little to no insight to be gained.

A unique celeb bio-doc in form if not quite in content.

Currently in theaters, streaming 8/6 on Amazon.
 

Rent It.