Which Movie to Watch Tonight? ‘The Saint’ on Paramount+ Celebrates Val Kilmer’s Quirky Performance

Simon Templar, known as the Saint, opens up about his unconventional life in the 1997 movie bearing his name. From the early scenes, it’s evident that Simon is a peculiar character in a strange film, portrayed by the enigmatic actor Val Kilmer. Kilmer’s choice to star in “The Saint” over pursuing another Batman movie after his success in “Batman Forever” showcases his unique career decisions. While the film didn’t skyrocket Kilmer’s stardom like his previous hit, it did well at the box office, reflecting his popularity at the time. Following Kilmer’s recent passing at 65, it’s a fitting time to revisit this quirky movie on Paramount+.

Why Watch The Saint Tonight?

“The Saint” follows Simon Templar, a suave thief reminiscent of James Bond but without the killing. Simon’s expertise in disguise allows him to navigate high society and the criminal underworld while engaging in espionage for personal gain rather than global salvation. The character’s depth, accentuated by a dark past involving trauma at an orphanage and the accidental death of his childhood love, adds layers to the narrative. Kilmer’s portrayal of Simon’s eccentricities shines through, particularly in his love for elaborate disguises which he relished bringing to life on screen.

The film’s allure lies in Simon’s idiosyncrasies, showcased through a range of character transformations. Kilmer’s dedication to the role is evident in his portrayal of a diverse array of personas, from a quirky older man at a lecture to a Morrison-esque artist. Simon’s penchant for disguise is further emphasized by his various alter egos, including an assistant perceived as fictional and a copy of the movie’s antagonist with a hint of Russian flavor in his accents.

It’s the tortured artist who inexplicably attracts the attention of scientist Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue), whose formula for cold fusion Simon has been hired to steal. Falling in love with Emma and realizing the nefarious plans his Russian oligarch contact has for cold fusion, he eventually decides to protect the formula, Emma, and Mother Russia from these machinations, though his plans often feel less like heroism and more like fussy, disguise-heavy geopolitical meddling.

This all may make The Saint sound suspiciously like a bad movie. But in the wake of Kilmer’s death, it’s a wonderfully weird tribute to his own eccentricities as an actor. There’s a meta dimension to Simon, who obviously relishes his role-playing but admits he isn’t really sure who he is as a person; even his seduction of Emma happens largely through an alternate persona. The various pop-culture figures he recalls – Bond, Batman, etc. – have far stronger identities, even if they may struggle with morality (Bond) or duality (Batman). Kilmer makes the Saint seem genuinely feckless, even (or especially) when he enjoys the elaborate trappings of his lifestyle.

The movie also has a refreshing ’90s dimension in that despite some chases and fights, it’s not really a full-on action movie. Director Phillip Noyce tends to make old-fashioned thrillers, not pyro-heavy action, and The Saint, in its quirky way, follows that pattern. (It nonetheless makes an odd follow-up to Noyce’s Clear and Present Danger.) Even at the movie’s most ridiculous moments, it’s endearing to know that Kilmer wanted to do it at all – that this was his idea of a slick movie-star play to follow up a career peak. Kilmer often seemed most comfortable on screen when he was able to sidestep the obligations of a leading man, and The Saint now plays like a feature-length exploration of that ambivalence.

Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a writer living in Brooklyn podcasting at www.sportsalcohol.com. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others.

Stream The Saint on Paramount+