Movies - TV
Val Kilmer Has No Hard Feelings About The Failure Of The Island Of Dr. Moreau
By JEREMY SMITH
Val Kilmer has been known to be difficult to work with, from arguing with Joel Schumacher during the production of “Batman Forever” to striking actor Caitlin O'Heaney during his audition for “The Doors.” While the actor does have his supporters, Kilmer was at odds with many involved in the production of the box-office flop, “The Island of Dr. Moreau.”
Kilmer was a disruptive force on set, burning a camera operator with a lit cigarette and causing delays in production due to issues with his co-star Marlon Brando. Director John Frankenheimer, who also had to contend with Brando’s outrageous behavior, commented, “I don't like Val Kilmer, I don't like his work ethic, and I don't want to be associated with him ever again.”
Although the film was critically reviled, Kilmer spoke wistfully about the experience and tried to downplay the issues on set. Kilmer expressed sympathy for "poor Frankenheimer," who was "desperate for a comeback," though noted that the film was "just as bad" even after his character died before the third act. The actor summed up the experience by saying, “Oh well. Win some, lose some.”