Speaking for Moses: an interview with Val Kilmer

By Channing Walker

Val Kilmer has been called the most versatile actor of his generation. After studying acting at The Juilliard School in New York City (where he was the youngest acting student ever admitted), he went on to a varied, and very successful, acting career on stage and in film. He has starred in films such as Batman Forever, The Saint, The Ghost and the Darkness, Tombstone, The Doors, Top Gun, and At First Sight, opening this month. He also provides the voice of Moses in Dreamworks' current animated hit, The Prince of Egypt. The Christian Science Sentinel caught up with Mr. Kilmer recently to hear his thoughts on portraying Moses.

Channing Walker: The story of Moses has been told over and over in film and in other formats. We never seem to tire of hearing it. Why is it still so vital for today's audience?

Val Kilmer: The story is such a human story, involving such miracles, such gigantic miracles. I've loved it from childhood. There is such hope in the story of Moses. On the one hand, he kills a man. What could be worse? Yet because of his utter humility, his sincerity, and his search for truth, he is given the most solemn task of his time. That wonderful, revealing line by Mary Baker Eddy says, "Moses advanced a nation to the worship of God in Spirit instead of matter, and illustrated the grand human capacities of being bestowed by immortal Mind" (Science and Health, p. 200). I just love the story of Moses for that reason. He is such an utterly honest man; he's so sincere in seeking the truth. I think that's the power of the story of Moses.