Billy the Kid

I don't care for movies that play fast and loose with history. This movie does its best on a small budget to get the basic story of Billy the Kid (and Pat Garrett, et. Al.) right. If you want lots of action, look elsewhere. This movie does show the main events in the Kid's "career," but it doesn't add anything. Val Kilmer is stunning, and the other actors do fine work as well. This movie is believable, which is what I want from a movie that is retelling history. I think Kilmer's portrayal of the Kid makes the most sense. Marlon Brando played a character based on the Kid in One Eyed Jacks, and I wonder if Kilmer studied that movie at all. Some things he does here remind me of Brando.

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.

This is a great movie and Val Kilmer and Gore Vidal deserve all the credit. Kilmer seems to have the expertise of becoming the character in real depth. Vidal, according to several history sites, has the most accurate story to the truth. All the other movies done on Billy the Kid try to put more action in the storyline than what would be more realistic, not that it makes the other movies bad. I would love to see this version of the Kid remastered and put out on DVD/Blue Ray. I have looked everywhere for a copy of this film on DVD but had no luck. I love the Billy the Kid movies, stories, and controversies. It is a very interesting story with the plain facts that they do not need all the action pack fillers. This did seem to be a more realistic version that I highly recommend.

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.