Val
Val

Movie spotlight

Val

2021
Movie
81 min
English

Fin is a criminal on the run, wanted for the murder of his boss and the accidental shooting of an officer. He breaks into the home of a high-class escort, only to discover that you get more than you bargain for with Val, short for “Valefar” – a demon who offers to make all his problems disappear if he agrees to follow her rules. But in Val’s world there are no accidents, and as Fin meets her other “customers”, he learns that Val was expecting him all along, and it isn’t easy to escape Val’s dungeon.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users92%
Director: Fintan McGarryGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate look into the life and career of actor Val Kilmer, utilizing his personal Super 8 films and audio recordings. It chronicles his rise to stardom in Hollywood, his battles with throat cancer, and his enduring passion for acting and art. The film provides a raw and honest self-portrait, revealing the complexities of his public persona and private struggles.

Critical Reception

Val received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its unique and deeply personal approach to documenting Kilmer's life and career. Critics lauded the use of his own archival footage, which offered an unparalleled level of access and authenticity. The film was commended for its emotional honesty and its exploration of Kilmer's artistic journey.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply personal and moving self-portrait of an iconic actor.

  • The use of Kilmer's own footage makes for a uniquely intimate viewing experience.

  • Praised for its unflinching honesty about his career and health struggles.

Google audience: Audiences found Val to be a powerful and inspiring documentary that humanized Val Kilmer. Many appreciated the candid look at his life, his artistic process, and his resilience in overcoming illness. The film's unique format using his personal recordings was frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Fun Fact

Val Kilmer used his own extensive archive of Super 8 films and audio diaries, recorded over decades, as the primary source material for the documentary.

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