Val Kilmer’s ability to transform himself into different characters is remarkable, and he truly seems to embody each role he takes on. As Doc Holliday in *Tombstone*, he appeared weary, as if anticipating his own demise. Similarly, when portraying Jim Morrison in *The Doors*, the resemblance was so striking that it felt less like acting and more like something supernatural, as Roger Ebert observed. It turns out Kilmer has been filming himself with a camcorder for decades, capturing both personal moments and professional experiences—a collection of around 800 hours’ worth of footage spanning 40 years, which forms the basis for *Val*, an incredibly revealing documentary. “Because it's more difficult to speak now, I want to share my story,” Kilmer communicates through his son Jack, who serves as narrator. Kilmer has faced a throat cancer diagnosis and, while currently in remission, his voice bears the effects of treatment involving radiation, chemotherapy, and two tracheotomies. *Val* avoids being an idealized portrayal; instead, it presents a complete picture, giving equal weight to both triumphs and setbacks. One particularly poignant aspect is seeing Kilmer now, appearing at screenings of his well-known films and signing autographs at comic conventions—as he himself puts it, “essentially trading on my past work.” However, his career has undeniable appeal; beyond *The Doors* and *Tombstone*, the film highlights titles like *Top Gun*, *Thunderheart*, *Heat*, *The Ghost and the Darkness*, *The Salton Sea*, *Spartan*, *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*, and *Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans*. The documentary doesn’t shy away from revisiting less successful projects either, such as *Batman Forever* and *The Island of Dr. Moreau*. Ultimately, *Val* offers more than just entertainment for existing fans; the inclusion of home movies, audition recordings, and behind-the-scenes glimpses makes it engaging for those interested in acting or film history in general.

Source on TMDB