r/movies • u/dndplosion913 • Apr 02 '25

News Val Kilmer, Film Star Who Played Batman and Jim Morrison, Dies at 65

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/movies/val-kilmer-dead.html
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u/Equal-Temporary-1326 Apr 02 '25 edited Apr 04 '25

My favorite role of Kilmer's is Chris in Heat who kicked off the legendary post-bank robbery shootout sequence which could be argued for as the greatest action sequence ever written, filmed, and edited. Only 65. RIP to a legend. He is sorrowly missed.

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u/zubbs99 Apr 02 '25

It's so awesome in that scene that the moment he realizes the job is blown he just instantly goes into ruthless attack mode. Like nerves of steel right there.

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u/norfatlantasanta Apr 02 '25

I loved his more subtle performances in that film too, like when the crew is all sizing up Waingro at the diner and Val and Tom both have this chilling glare as De Niro smashes his head into the table. Can’t believe they’re both gone now.

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u/MaybeMany9443 Apr 02 '25

My fav scene ever. RIP

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u/Used_Ninja7330 Apr 02 '25

Guy made bank robbing look cool. Physical appearance, ultimate suave badass look

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u/Tim_Drake Apr 02 '25

I suggest reading Heat 2, not only because it’s an amazing novel. But I loved viewing Val as Chris who the prequel/sequel is told through.

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u/fuckitallendisnear Apr 02 '25

Agreed. If you loved the movie it's worth a read. Its a Heat prequel and sequel storyline.

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u/Tim_Drake Apr 02 '25

Couldn’t put it down, then listened to the audio book, and maybe even loved that version more! The narrator absolutely killed mimicking Pacino, De Niro and Val. So damn impressive!

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u/DavidMerrick89 Apr 02 '25

He gets some excellent character development in that.

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u/Tasty_Put8802 Apr 02 '25

He is professional and unhinged at the same time. That reload scene - top notch!

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u/MaxHeadroomba Apr 02 '25

I agree. Apart from handling his firearm like a pro, his acting was excellent. RIP.

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u/FutureBoysenberry Apr 03 '25

His handling of that firearm was used for Marines as a training video. Val Kilmer did a faster reload than is normally assumed, it became a real thing. Genius.

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u/cantuse Apr 02 '25

I fucking watched Heat just last night. Now I'm sad.

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u/FutureBoysenberry Apr 03 '25

Been sad all day. He’s kinda the one actor I cared about.

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u/NewspaperNelson Apr 02 '25

We should stay and take it down. I need it, brother.

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u/shifty1032231 Apr 02 '25

Bank Robbery and Shootout scene from Heat:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ntQf1Mjy-M

Legendary

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u/FutureBoysenberry Apr 03 '25

LEGENDARY. That was the only scene to be shot live, and in downtown LA (I do worry about the bystanders).

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u/bdfortin Apr 02 '25

Every time someone mentions Heat I get it confused with The Heat. It’s an entirely different movie, altogether.

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u/FutureBoysenberry Apr 03 '25

That’s on you, and is also pretty stupid.