Val Kilmer Ate a Locust on the Set of This Movie
Most movies have odd behind-the-scenes moments. While making one of his movies, Val Kilmer ate a locust. He offered a strange explanation for his behavior.
Val Kilmer told the writer of a movie that he’s difficult around ‘stupid people’
During a 1996 interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer Kevin Jarre recalled a strange story about Kilmer from the making of Tombstone. “There’s a dark side to Val that I don’t feel comfortable talking about,” he said. Regardless, he remembered a time he and Kilmer “were deep in conversation about Doc Holliday, and this stand-in brought over a very colorful sort of locust and said, ‘Look what I found!’
“I looked up and said, ‘Hey, that’s pretty good,’ and Val, without saying a word, grabbed the locust from the guy and ate it,” he added. “And it was big. He said to me, ‘As you know, I have a reputation for being difficult. But only with stupid people.'”
Despite this bizarre anecdote, Jarre had warm feelings towards Kilmer. “He was very generous,” said Jarre. “I asked Val to build up this actor’s confidence before a scene. The actor was sweating, he needed it, and Val came through.” Tombstone producer James Jacks was similarly positive. “He behaved well on my movie, and I’d be happy to work with him again.”
Val KiImer helped make ‘Tombstone’ a classic
Even if the production had a dark side, Tombstone is widely regarded as one of the best Westerns of the 1990s. Released in 1993, the film stands out for its gripping story, memorable performances, and beautiful cinematography. Directed by George P. Cosmatos and starring Kurt Russell, Kilmer, and Sam Elliott, Tombstone brought the legendary tale of Wyatt Earp and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to life in a way that few Westerns have matched.
The film’s portrayal of iconic characters makes it unforgettable. Russell’s Wyatt Earp is both tough and vulnerable, embodying the complex nature of the historical figure. However, it’s Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday that steals the show. His performance is sharp, witty, and deeply emotional. Kilmer brings a level of depth to Doc Holliday that resonates with fans even years after the film’s release. His line “I’m your huckleberry” has since become a classic movie quote, reflecting the character’s mix of charm and danger.
The movie’s screenplay is superb
The film’s script is full of memorable lines and scenes that have become ingrained in pop culture. From the standoff at the O.K. Corral to the emotional final showdown, Tombstone delivers constant excitement and tension. The dialogue is sharp, and the interactions between characters are rich with history and emotion. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and revenge, which are central to the Western genre but are done exceptionally well here.
Unlike many Westerns, Tombstone balances action and drama seamlessly. While the film delivers intense gunfights and showdowns, it also delves into the relationships between the characters, especially the friendship between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The emotional depth of the characters elevates the film beyond just a typical action movie.
In a decade filled with great Westerns, Tombstone stands out as the best of the 1990s. It combines memorable performances, a gripping story, and stunning visuals to create a timeless classic in the genre.
