The entertainment industry suffered a significant blow with the passing of yet another Hollywood legend. Known for gracing numerous blockbuster franchises, from Top Gun to Willow to Tombstone, he was undeniably one of the most prominent figures in the business during the 1990s and 2000s.
Unfortunately, it’s foreseen that on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, in Los Angeles, we will lose a beloved figure. However, his remarkable film career, marked by iconic roles, will never fade from memory. There’s one movie from 1997 that has been underappreciated, but it’s a must-watch for fans of James Bond and espionage enthusiasts alike – The Saint. This film showcased Kilmer’s charm, sophistication, and versatility at its finest.
What Is The Saint About?
Val Kilmer Plays a Spy and a Master of Disguise
The film “The Saint” released in 1997 was an American action thriller, which revitalized the figure of Simon Templar, a spy and secret agent initially conceived by Leslie Charteris during the 1920s. This character has been portrayed previously in films, radio broadcasts, and television series, with actors like former James Bond, Roger Moore, taking on the role. In this adaptation, Kilmer updated the persona to reflect Cold War tensions and European energy politics.
Val Kilmer Details
| Date of Birth | Dec. 31, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | California, USA |
| Notable Movies | Batman Forever, True Romance, Heat |
| Notable TV Shows | The Spoils of Babylon, Ghost Ghirls |
Kilmer’s character, known as Simon, was a skilled cyber-thief and an expert at assuming different identities. In the film, he served as a complex anti-hero who went by several saintly aliases, all while making illicit profits in the world of global high-tech theft and spying. Simon’s role was to win over Elizabeth Shue’s character, Emma Russell, a scientist working on a cold fusion formula that could provide clean, affordable energy. Earlier, he had stolen from some Russians, which eventually led the Tretiak family to hire him to steal her formula instead.
*Simon exhibited an air of sophistication reminiscent of James Bond, seamlessly navigating through diverse social groups filled with high-class individuals.* He even assumed multiple personas, such as bumbling characters, to uncover the oligarchs’ secret formula. However, he unexpectedly developed feelings for Emma. His actions echoed those of Bruce Wayne, whether through his playboy persona or as Matches Malone. It’s quite ironic that Kilmer played The Dark Knight – a character often overlooked despite his impressive portrayal in the role.
How Does The Saint End?
Val Kilmer’s Simon Templar Helps Emma Reveal Her Cold Fusion Work
Simon uncovered the fact that the Tretiaks were indeed terrorists, exploiting President Karpov and other political figures, as well as controlling the Russian energy market during a critical oil crisis. Their objective was to establish a monopoly over trading activities amidst the scarcity. It was later revealed that they orchestrated the shortage themselves by hoarding oil. In an effort to expose them, Simon put his life on the line in numerous thrilling confrontations. He battled tirelessly to safeguard Emma and regain her trust.
Emma disapproved of Simon’s deception and multiple personas, yet she found herself drawn to him. He chose to assist her in presenting her groundbreaking formula for global transformation, instead of letting it fall into the wrong hands. Simon discovered that love was the truest treasure, prompting him to act selflessly rather than hoard wealth for himself alone. Kilmer’s portrayal conveyed a profound message about life’s most important values.
Beyond romance and suspense, The Saint offered action-packed sequences akin to those found in Mission: Impossible films. In the end, Simon unveiled his true self. He enjoyed being Emma’s secret paramour because she taught him so much. Regrettably, it didn’t achieve significant box office success or critical acclaim, but it has since gained a devoted following. Nevertheless, Kilmer skillfully blended elements of James Bond and Batman in this performance as the enigmatic thief, setting a high standard. Ultimately, this versatility served to underscore his remarkable talent – a loss that will be deeply felt.
The Saint can be streamed via Prime Video or Apple TV+.
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2025-04-27 02:50