Billy the Kid

Interesting and enjoyable is Gore Vidal's retelling of the saga of William Bonney(Val Kilmer) and his friend-turned-nemesis Pat Garrett(Duncan Regehr).This TV project is better in quality than your average western/cowboy fare. The volatile Billy the Kid seems a likable menace; although quick to put holes in his victims. Kilmer mumbled most of his dialogue; intentional or just annoying? Wilford Brimley is excellent as the Governor of New Mexico. Rene Auberjonois is a convincing drunk. Also in support are Julie Carman, the love interest, along with Michael Parks and veteran character actor Albert Salmi. And the first cowpoke that Billy blows away is Red West, a very good stunt man and notable as one of Elvis Presley's body guards. There are more unbelievable Billy the Kid yarns out there. This one is pretty classy and intelligent.

I'm a big fan of Val Kikmer but ....this was a little underwhelming. I had been very excited to see this cable production when it was advertised (I think for TNT, but I would have to look it up to be sure) years ago and watched it when it first aired. It is historically accurate (as much as something like this can be, and from what I am familiar regarding the real events) but it is also very dry and not artistically ambitious in any way. Kilmer creates a character completely different than anything else he has played, but unfortunately he comes off somewhat brain damaged. Educated from his childhood in New York until his mother's death in his early teens after moving out West, it is doubtful Billy Thr Kid was as seemingly slow witted as portrayed here. The Kid had charmed his way into a variety of circumstances to escape a sure death, survived the Lincoln County War and even had correspondence with the Governor negotiating his testimony against corrupt businessmen on the opposite side of the Licoln County War in exchange for a clean slate. Kilmer's interpretation suggests more of a functioning mentally handicapped desperado with a simple charm. Still, it is a well intentioned piece of t.v. filmmaking that those interested in the time frame and Billy might find some redeeming value. Be prepared for a fairly slow production though.

I was always interesting by the story of Billy the kid ... so ... Billy the Kid,… Val Kilmer, ... why not ...

And without realizing it, we are very quickly absorbed by the film, which passes relatively quickly which is always a good sign. It is true that resources are limited, that is not a huge production, but the story is very good and simply told as accurately as possible, giving the main charm of the film.

The direction is simple, the sets were limited but sufficient, but with some technical and artistic skills the story is very properly and nice. The actors are fine, neither more nor less, and with their strong experience, (we recognize some of them) interpreted well. Val Kilmer gives us a William Bonney (aka Billy the kid) impulsive, impatient, naive and simpleton. Billy the kid was young and provided with certain talents and often described with these traits. Val Kilmer's interpretation is very plausible and well.

We have not the same means as "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (Sam Peckinpah), or" Chisum "(Andrew V. McLaglen) or even a William Munny" unforgiven "but ... this film does not suffer at all. His choice of narrative on the overall life of Billy the Kid and not exclusively on the chase with Pat Garret is judicious and enjoyable. This film is good and just the story of Billy the Kid.

jelios

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The movie has the feel of a sort of made-for-TV B-movie. It's more drama than action, focusing primarily on the interpersonal interactions. But it gives an interesting perspective on Billy the Kid. I have no idea how historically accurate it might be, however.

Val Kilmer portrays Billy the Kid as a rather backwoods, laid-back country bumpkin. Unlike a lot of Val's characters which are portrayed intensely and over-the-edge, he shows a totally different side of his acting abilities.

Overall, I was rather positively surprised with the movie, expecting it to be intense, moody and aggressive. But it's not, at all. It's simply an enjoyably different portrayal of Billy the Kid, not an outstanding movie but enjoyable just the same. I'm giving it a 6 on the ratings, about low-average for my rating, but I'm glad I watched it. If you're a Kilmer fan, it'll give you a whole different view of Val's multi-talented acting.

"Billy the Kid" 1989 TV Movie NR 1h 36m. It's a pretty good movie. It was put out by TNT. Gore Vidal does a pretty good job of directing it, and all. Val Kilmer is great. // The photography really leaves a lot to be desired. It really fuzzy and out of focus. // It's entertaining to watch. It's an interesting take on the story of Billy The Kid. The writing is pretty good, and they did a good job of filling in the parts of his childhood, and what led him on the path of self destruction. // Still, it's not a great movie either. There's no real story here. It's mostly about Billy and Pat Garrett, and the cat and mouse game they played. // And golly gee willickers. Noflicks doesn't carry it, either. What a shocker. LOL But you can watch it free on YouTube. // The Bushwacker 12/18/2021.