The Doors (1991)

Director: Oliver Stone

Writers: Randall Jahnson and Oliver Stone

Stars: Val Kilmer, Meg Ryan, Kyle MacLachlan, Frank Whaley, Kevin Dillon, Michael Wincott

This overlong biopic of Jim Morrison (Val Kilmer) is most interesting early on as it details the rise to fame of the Doors.

 

Soon, however, Morrison surrenders himself completely to drugs, and the film spirals into a long series of repetitive scenes in which Morrison abuses himself and others.

 

The main reason to watch this film is Kilmer’s incredible performance.

 

To impersonate a man whose look and sound are so well-known without descending into caricature is a true acting achievement.

 

Unfortunately, writer/director Oliver Stone dotes on Morrison’s sophomoric paens to death and self-centered spiritual explorations so minutely that he often comes across as an unquestioning sycophant.

 

The greatest narrative achievement of the film is showing how such a self-destructive person can maintain a career--at least for a while--through the efforts of those around him who feel that the talent he offers justifies the garbage they have to put up with.