Writer/Director: Shane Black
Starring: Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jr. and Michelle Monaghan
‘A Captivating Crime Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood made movies that audiences treasure like Val Kilmer. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Kilmer became a legendary icon. Whether it’s bank robbers, soaring aviators or famous singers, Kilmer portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Kilmer’s finest strength as an actor was always his strong screen presence. He was one of those rare actors which had the abilities to elevate every film he was in by his strong screen presence. Kilmer wasn’t afraid of taking risks in his career playing complex characters that weren’t likeable. Through his abilities to create characters which audiences could easily relate to, Kilmer became an actor that people value. However, recently Kilmer’s career came to a sad closure when he passed away from throat cancer. Kilmer’s devastating death left Hollywood mourning. In the wake of his heartbreaking passing, Kilmer made many unforgettable films that are definitely without a doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Kilmer and adore all the films that he made in his career. However, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is my favourite. Following release in 2005, Shane Black’s movie has stood test of time as a comedy classic. Packed with strong production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best murder mysteries ever made. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Val Kilmer, who portrays a dedicated detective which seeks to investigate a murder. Ultimately, what makes “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most commemorated murder mystery movies, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It delivers a profound message about friendship that would resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing murder mystery classic, there are many strong reasons why “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a commemorated movie which is definitely without a doubt worth seeing.
Set in Los Angeles, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” tells the story of detectives that become involved in murder mystery investigation. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Harry Lockhart, a petty thief with a skill for pulling off crimes that tear lives apart. Harry has always had an aptitude for getting away with committing serious crimes without a real price to pay. However, Harry’s life changes when he becomes involved in murder mystery causing disaster. Harry has always preferred to work alone but his situation becomes ripe with conflicts by the arrivals of detective Gay Perry (Val Kilmer). Gay Perry is a determined detective with a serious attitude toward crime. Despite their stark differences in personality, Harry and Gay work well together building a strong camaraderie. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Harry begins to wonder whether he would ever be able be a successful actor.
Shane Black is a newcomer towards murder mysteries. Before he directed “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, Black had never directed a mystery in his career before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of detectives that seek to resolve a murder, but he succeeded immensely. Using gorgeous cinematography, Black captures the lives of detectives which investigate a murder mystery. Visually, the film is a stunning feast for the eyes. Black deftly uses handheld camerawork capturing tension that detectives investigating tragic murders are facing. For instance, handheld cameras elevate the thief robbery scene. During this intense scene, Harry becomes involved in a tense robbery being chased by police. One admired handheld camerawork demonstrating tensions that detectives are facing. Handheld cinematography is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Michael Mann’s “Heat” suggested, handheld camerawork elevates movies about bank robberies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through captivating visuals, Black captures tensions that detectives investigating murders are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” that merits appreciation is production. Inspired by Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential”, Black deftly uses locations in L.A. to capture tensions detectives face. Throughout the film, the city of L.A. is a crucial character showing tensions faced by detectives. For instance, the real locations of L.A. elevate the party scene. During this unforgettable scene, Harry attends a fancy party in Los Angeles. One appreciates real-life locations in L.A. capturing tensions of detectives. Real-life locations in L.A. are often tricky techniques to use in movies. As Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown” suggested, locations in L.A. enhance murder mysteries. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. John Ottman’s music is key to success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing painful burden which detectives investigating murders bear. Through phenomenal production design, Black captures tensions endured by detectives facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the key reasons why “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is a murder mystery which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice-over narration to capture the lives of detectives experiencing tension in murder investigation. Black’s finest screenwriting strength is his ability to capture the lives of detectives experiencing tension by narration. For instance, narration elevates the opening scene. During this memorable scene, Harry narrates his experiences expressing his cynical perspective on detectives through witty narration. Through ingenious narration, Black creates a compelling detective that audiences can easily relate to. Voice-over narration is a complicated technique to use in films. As Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption” did suggest clearly, narration elevates films about prison. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” demonstrated, narration elevates films about intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Black captures detectives seeking to resolve murders in L.A.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Val Kilmer gives one of his best performances as Gay Perry. Kilmer first gained appreciation for portraying soaring aviators in blockbusters. With “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, however, he took on his most comedic role. It isn’t easy to play a detective investigating a murder mystery but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and funny in his most comic role. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase comedic timing he hadn’t shown in his career before. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, determination and moody nature of a detective seeking investigations. It’s a powerful performance by an icon who is no longer with us today.
Robert Downey Jr. is remarkable as a reckless petty thief that becomes the victim of murder investigation causing disaster. RDJ has often been associated closely with his iconic role as Iron Man. With “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, however, the actor showcased his rare aptitude for dark comedy he hadn’t shown before in his career. Whether he’s flirting with Harmony after they have a meeting following years of separating or seeking to get rid of a corpse in a bathroom that’s frightening, RDJ uses his sharp humour to create a detective that’s compelling. It’s an exceptional performance from one of the most celebrated actors which is currently working in Hollywood today.
The final, most notable standout in the cast is Michelle Monaghan. As an aspiring actress in a tense situation, she brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” will definitely earn everyone’s appreciation for capturing detectives which face tragedy. Unlike most murder mystery movies, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. It tackles relatable themes including identity, marriage and racism which would definitely resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with detectives to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is one of those rare commemorated murder mystery movies which everyone will definitely without any doubt adore.
Fans of Val Kilmer will definitely appreciate “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” and so will audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting murder mystery classic, it celebrates a late actor that built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about bickering detectives seeking to solve murder mysteries in Los Angeles that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that built a lasting legacy earning a huge following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in movies that are worth celebrating days after his heartbreaking death left the entertainment world mourning.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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