Val and Stillwater

Val Kilmer became a star with such movies as "Top Gun" (1986), "The Doors" (1991) and "Batman Forever" (1995). He is now essentially the star of a new documentary about his career, the aptly titled "Val." In this podcast episode, HCC film professors Marie Westhaver and Mike Giuliano discuss a career in which this handsome actor played strong, silent types. The documentary incorporates home movies and video diaries shot by Kilmer himself, and so it really seems like a self-portrait. Kilmer's recent health-related issues are dealt with in an open and emotionally moving way. Another actor who qualifies as a strong, silent type is Matt Damon. In "Stillwater," he portrays an Oklahoma oil rig worker who goes to France in an attempt to get his young adult daughter (played by Abigail Breslin) out of prison. Although Marie enjoyed this movie a bit more than Mike did, they both agree that it is a well-acted drama you will want to place on your to-watch list.