Kurt Russell’s 1993 Western,Tombstone, successfully beat out the Wyatt Earp movie Kevin Costner released a year later for one big reason.Tombstoneis largely praised as one of the best Westerns of the 1990s, revitalizing the genre after its release. One of the many films that came afterTombstone’swave of success was Costner’sWyatt Earp,which covered the same events ofTombstonewith more historical accuracy, as manymoments inTombstonewere completely made up. Despite this,Costner’s film was a box office bomb, earning $56 million in comparison toTombstone’s$73 million.
Though bothTombstoneandWyatt Earpcovered the story of the legendary lawman and the iconic battle at the O.K. Corral, many parts of Costner’s film could not compete with Russell’s, causing audiences to favorTombstone.One big aspect that was criticized aboutWyatt Earpwas its three-hour runtime, which slowed the pacing in comparison toTombstone’saction-filled storyline. However, there was one key element that ensuredTombstone’svictory in thebox office battle between Russell and Costner’s filmsthat is still praised today: Val Kilmer’s performance as Doc Holliday.
Val Kilmer’s Performance Clinches Tombstone’s Victory Over Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp Movie
Kilmer’s Version Of Doc Was More Compelling Than Dennis Quaid’s In Wyatt Earp
Val Kilmer’s smooth and charming performance as Doc Holiday clinched the victory forTombstoneover Dennis Quaid’s depiction of the same character in Costner’sWyatt Earp.Both portrayals of the sickly yet mighty gunslinger captured both his calm, collected nature and his darker impulsesas he helped his friends achieve their deadly vendetta against the Cowboys. Yet, Quaid’s depiction was a bit stiffer and elusive, his mannerisms matching the more traditional Western hero. While still a strong performance, this made Quaid’s version harder to follow and connect to within the narrative.
Tombstone’s Historical Inaccuracy Compared To Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp Actually Helped Make Kurt Russell’s Western Better
Tombstone isn’t as accurate as Wyatt Earp is, but it’s precisely because of one historical inaccuracy that it beat Kevin Costner’s film.
By contrast,Kilmer’s version of Doc Holiday inTombstoneis much more smooth and charming, withhis line delivery resulting in his character being the most quoted from the film. Kilmer’s Holiday is personable and wise, but he is also unpredictable and world-weary, making his darker moments both jarring and almost tragic at times. Kilmer’s scenes alone help make his character great, butTombstonewas truly able to become the cult classic it is today through his connections and moments with other characters, especially Russell’s version of Wyatt Earp.
Val Kilmer’s Interaction With Other Characters Makes Tombstone Truly Great
Kilmer And Russell’s Performances Truly Highlighted The Deep Friendship Between Earp And Holiday
Through his interactions with other characters like Russell’s Earp,Val Kilmer’s performance as Doc Holidayhighlighted the lawmen’s powerful friendship, makingTombstonetruly great. The banter between Earp and Kilmer’s characters throughout the film is rapid and fun, with many great lines between the two.But it is towards the end of the film as Holiday is dying from tuberculosis that audiences see the true depth of their friendship, with Kilmer’s character begging forgiveness for not being able to help Earp any longer.
Those choices by Kilmer and Russell madeTombstonetruly great as it demonstrated exactly why the story of these Western legends stood the test of time.
That vulnerability is both emphasized and contrasted by his icy demeanor towards Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) as the two duel, with Holiday having taken Earp’s place. His switch from ruthless and calculated commentary towards Ringo to gentleness and steady determination towards Earp is quick but seamless, showcasing that under the wit and charm was a fiercely loyal friend. Those choices by Kilmer and Russell madeTombstonetruly great, as it demonstrated exactly why the story of these Western legends stood the test of time.
