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Kurt Russell met Val Kilmer For the first time when the Hollywood star with Cher on the set of Silkwooda documentary drama from 1983, hung around. Kilmer, a 22-year-old Julliard-graduate at this time, who has not yet published a series of eighties hits like Top secret! and the blockbuster Top Gun was already able to experience, had a difficult quality itself. That should lead to some of his greatest roles. “Back then I could see that he was the young man who was very seriously coming to what he wanted to do,” says Russell that Rolling Stone.
Less than a decade later, Russell and Kilmer found themselves on the set of “Tombstone” again. One of the most popular western of modern times. Kilmer played the revolver hero John Henry “Doc” Holliday alongside Russells Wyatt Earp. His portrayal of the real western legend was celebrated as one of the most impressive achievements in the history of the genre.
After the news of Kilmers Death by A pneumonia at the age of 65 looks back at her work during the turbulent shooting of the 1993 film when he flew through Europe with Russell’s long -time partner Goldie Hawn. And saw his good friend for the last time.
“He was a clever head”
In conversation, Russell speaks openly about Kilmer’s call that he was in a bad mood on the set at the beginning of his career. “Yes, it was said a lot about Val that it could be difficult to deal with. But we had an enormously trusting relationship,” says Russell. “He was a clever head. I always found his argument solid when it came to the film.”
While some, like the director of Batman ForeverJoel Schumacher, working with Kilmer as “impossible“Received, others found his unshakable dedication to his craft as a gift. This proved to be useful than Tombstone in one nightmarish Production process. Dr original director Kevin Jarre (who wrote the script) was fired. And was replaced by George P. Cosmatos to make the film again.
While Russell’s own contribution to the film adaptation of Tombstone was discussed – Kilmer itself said His co-star is responsible for the success of the film-the experienced actor Kilmer praises that he “did his best”. “I found that his performance was one of his best,” says Russell. “We were always on the same wavelength. We always thought the same thing. That was a large part of the reason why I had so much fun working with him. It was a collaboration in many ways that is wonderful.”
“We had a wonderful time in Europe”
He adds: “I don’t deny that he was complicated. But I always had the feeling that he had so many things on his heart that I couldn’t help but appreciate them. And I had a weakness for him.”
Kilmer had a “sharp, biting humor that was not valued by everyone”. But that was something she connected. “I still have to laugh when I think about it,” recalls Russell, who tells that Goldie Hawn joined them during the doctorate for the film and the trio had an unforgettable time when it was under the direction of the actor Big Trouble in Little China Flew through Europe by plane.
“We had a wonderful time in Europe. Goldie, Val and I,” he recalls. “There were times when we worked all day. He and me. And he just drained me. And then I said:” Look, take Goldie. Go to eat and amused. I talk to you when you come back. Can’t hear a word from your mouth anymore. I can’t see it. I can’t look at it. “
“He always called me ‘concrete head’,” laughs Russell. “I was firmly in my ideas, my approach.”
“Sometimes I could have been a little nicer for many people”
In 2014, Kilmer’s acting career braked a larynx diagnosis. And after an operation, he had difficulty speaking. Nevertheless, according to Russell, he has never lost his sharp mind and humor.
Three years ago, Russell Kilmer visited his house for the last time. “It was difficult for him to speak. But he had wonderful things to say. He had a pretty good sense of humor,” says Russell. “Val looked at me and I looked at him. He said:” Sometimes I could have been a little nicer for many people. ” And he laughed. He was sunk in his thoughts and looked back on his life. Val was a good guy. “
“Everyone has their 360-degree perspective on their person,” he says. “Nobody gets out of here alive. So I hope that he is resting in peace. If someone deserves to rest in peace, then Val.”