Val Kilmer’s Unforgettable Transformation in ‘The Doors’

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In “The Doors” movie directed by Oliver Stone, the most striking aspect is that it refrains from romanticizing or idealizing its protagonist, Jim Morrison, the rock musician and poet.

Instead of composing a tribute to the supposed “Lizard King” and praising his artistic achievements, Stone’s film depicts Morrison as a loathsome beast, a writer who corrupted every valuable relationship in his life.

Jim Morrison was the lead singer of The Doors, one of the most impactful bands during the 1960s. He left behind an abundance of fantastic music for us to enjoy. This film caters to and fulfills fans’ expectations while portraying its central figure in a highly unappealing manner.

In a different rendition: Val Kilmer plays Morrison, a carefree individual whose dreams of becoming a filmmaker are momentarily halted upon encountering Ray Manzarek (Kyle MacLachlan). Together, they establish a band, with Frank Whaley and Kevin Dillon portraying other members of The Doors. Their music is a fusion of rock and poetic expressions.

In my opinion, Morrison’s persistent on-stage antics, such as frequent drunkenness and provocative behavior, have unfortunately left a negative impression on the audience, potentially damaging their professional image.

In a daring portrayal, Kilmer masterfully captures the essence of Morrison, going beyond mimicry to deliver an otherworldly embodiment. The film doesn’t delve into Morrison’s inner thoughts but instead, mirrors his mental state and the environment he lived in.

Among us bandmates, I stand out more like Manzarek, while Dillon and Whaley tend to stay in the periphery during most of our performances.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that Meg Ryan’s portrayal of Pam, Morrison’s girlfriend, often gets overlooked. Just like Kevin Kline, Ryan fearlessly exposes her character at her most vulnerable and unflattering moments. Crispin Glover’s eccentric Andy Warhol is a performance destined for the annals of time. So too is Kathleen Quinlan’s intense work as a journalist/witch who seduces Morrison, a role that is truly captivating.

In the movie, an intriguing notion emerges early: Stone, Morrison’s UCLA film professor, criticizes Morrison’s work as “pretentious,” leaving Morrison disheartened and prompting him to dramatically exit the class (one of the subtler actions he takes in the film).

It’s possible to argue that Morrison’s music career might not have been the best turn of events for him. Being a celebrity gave him ample opportunity to succumb to various temptations. Early in their relationship, Pam wisely cautioned Jim, “Remember, you’re a poet, not a rock star.

Before amassing wealth, drugs, and alcohol, Morrison already struggled with drug addiction and an obsession with death. Over time, his life transformed into a self-destructive form of art, and he found himself frequently in the company of individuals he referred to as “vampires,” much like the enigmatic pop figures he encountered at Warhol’s Factory.

Stone’s filmmaking style bears a striking resemblance to the surreal, dreamlike approach often seen in films by Nicolas Roeg or Ken Russell. The frequent use of a soft focus and numerous hallucinatory sequences makes it seem as if the entire movie has been filtered through a drug-induced haze.

It seems less like a copycat and more like a film that broke free from its time period. At some point, Morrison proclaims, “I dwell within the subconscious mind.

So does this movie.

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If you find “The Doors” unappealing, it’s likely because it leans more towards the somber side. Before Jim Morrison’s life and the narrative turn into a string of unfortunate events, there’s an early scene where he leads the band and their girlfriends on a desert trip, during which they consume LSD. This scene is quite lengthy and challenging even for fans of the band or music biographies.

In Stone’s portrayal, Morrison is depicted as struggling with confronting the truth. Frequently, we are taken back to the young Morrison recalling a car accident from his childhood. This event might hold significant importance for the character, or it could be just the one moment that struck him from his past.

A pivotal moment in revealing Quinlan’s character occurs when she tells Morrison that she found his parents; this is one of the few instances where we see Morrison taken aback. If you’re looking for an analysis of the characters, this may not be the book for you. Instead, the portrayal of Morrison as a rock star suggests a descent, symbolized by an escalator, that leads from a vibrant life into a dark and ominous underworld.

In my humble opinion, as a movie critic, one might argue that Oliver Stone has been known to stretch the truth at times when it comes to depicting Jim Morrison’s life in “The Doors.” However, even if we disregard the three most controversial and over-the-top scenes – and believe me, there are many to pick from – the film still effectively portrays Morrison as a wandering spirit, an artist with raw talent, and a man who could be downright cruel.

Michael Wincott’s character warns Morrison about his excessive behavior, reminding him of the fate of Janis Joplin who succumbed to alcohol. He expresses concern that Jim might follow a similar path.

To put it simply, I’m a big fan of The Doors, have read Jim Morrison’s poetry collection, and appreciate his music. However, regardless of how you look at it, Morrison’s life serves as a warning rather than something to be admired. The ending portrays his grave, and an intriguing fact emerges: Morrison died young at the age of 27.

In this portrayal, I find Morrison’s character lacking in relatability, and the movie itself can be quite challenging to watch. The excessive aspects of both Stone’s direction and Morrison’s performance sometimes become overwhelming. Despite its silliness and prolonged duration, I wouldn’t categorize it as a foolish production entirely.

This song is an intense rock and roll experience that pulls us in with its music, yet leaves us pondering about the artist who created it. Many parts of it resemble a distorted psychedelic journey, but it’s undeniably a unique ride.

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2025-04-02 18:03