Val Kilmer has said that of all the roles he’s played, portraying Mark Twain in the film Citizen Twain was particularly meaningful to him. He shared this with both Vanity Fair and the Associated Press.
Kilmer explained that while he’s always appreciated Twain’s stories, he was even more interested in the person behind the famous writer.
According to Kilmer, one of the reasons Mark Twain is so engaging to study – beyond his famous writing – is his lifelong fascination with the difference between what’s real and what’s fake. Twain essentially created a public persona, ‘Mark Twain,’ who was a flamboyant entertainer always looking for money and a good laugh – a stark contrast to the person he actually was.
Besides his other notable roles, Val Kilmer is also remembered for playing Hamlet. Having begun his career in theater, Kilmer emphasized the special energy of live performance, something he felt film couldn’t replicate. He explained to the Associated Press that the immediate response from a live audience is invaluable, offering instant feedback on what works. “On stage, you know within 30 seconds if your ideas are landing,” he said. “With a film, you don’t get that feedback for over a year.”
Val Kilmer’s work showcases his diverse career. Though famous for action movies like Top Gun, he’s deeply passionate about theater and playing challenging characters from literature. He draws inspiration from authors like Mark Twain, who explored the realities and deceptions of life, and William Shakespeare, whose plays are known for their emotional power and complexity. These influences are evident in his storytelling, whether he’s performing on stage or filming a movie.
Kilmer’s story shows how much actors appreciate roles that push their boundaries and let them delve into what it means to be human. He also emphasizes the special energy and connection found in live theater, compared to working on film.
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2025-11-29 11:44