But Kilmer defended his method of doing his job. “I think it’s a cover for something they didn’t do well when some people blame me for being demanding. In 2003, he told the Orange County Register, “I believe they’re attempting to defend themselves.” “I think I’m challenging, not demanding, and I don’t regret that.”
In the end, he supported himself, writing in his memoir I’m Your Huckleberry: “I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio in an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors, and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments.”
His skill was indisputable, even in the face of disagreements with collaborators.
Irwin Winkler, the director of At First Sight, described working with Kilmer as a “wonderful experience,” and Schumacher did eventually acknowledge that he was the greatest Batman.
Winkler stated, “Some people expect an actor to be like a wooden Indian, to follow instructions and never speak.” “But Val should be heard because he has many excellent ideas.”
In the 2000s, Kilmer shifted to less well-known endeavors. He costarred with Robert Downey Jr. in Shane Black’s first feature film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, in 2005. He then played Mark Twain in Citizen Twain (2012) as a one-man stage act. Additionally, he appeared briefly in Song to Song (2017), directed by Terrence Malick.
The 2021 documentary Val focused on Kilmer’s life and work and had a well-received Cannes Film Festival premiere. It included personal video and commentary about his artistic path and health issues.
Kilmer was an actor who also dabbled in politics. He supported Obamacare’s religious exemptions in 2013, declared interest in running for governor of New Mexico in 2009, and attended rallies for Ralph Nader’s 2008 presidential campaign.
