This Sunday, March 2, 2025, Arte dedicates its evening programming to the renowned actor Val Kilmer, featuring the broadcast of Cœur de tonnerre at 21:00, followed by a documentary about him at 22:55. Kilmer, known for his angelic looks and versatile acting skills, rose to stardom in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, appearing prominently as Iceman opposite Tom Cruise's Maverick in Top Gun.
Despite enjoying significant success, Kilmer's path also includes challenging projects, like Cœur de tonnerre, where he portrayed Raymond Levoi, an FBI agent of mixed heritage investigating the murder of a Sioux man within the confines of South Dakota's Bear Creek Indian reservation. The film, directed by Michael Apted, takes place against the backdrop of dire socio-economic conditions faced by Native Americans, echoing the struggles depicted through real historical incidents.
Following the major success of Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves (1990), which revived interest in pro-Native American narratives, Cœur de tonnerre emerged as part of the genre's resurgence. The film, which debuted initially to moderate success, merits reevaluation as it addresses systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous peoples and the environmental destruction inflicted upon their lands.
Inside the film, Kilmer's character, Ray Levoi, grapples with his identity, reflecting Kilmer's own complicated heritage—German, Irish, Swedish, and Cherokee descent. Kilmer revealed his emotional connection to the role during the film's production, stating, "I had the good fortune to be part of Cœur de tonnerre. I was drawn to this role because Ray's father was Indian. At the beginning of the film, Levoi shows indifference and even contempt for his cultural heritage. Then he changes behavior and struggles to regain his identity. That's the story I loved telling." His performance captures the nuanced conflict of reconciling identity with duty.
While the plot offers thrills typical of crime dramas, at its heart lies the deepening connection between Levoi and the Native American community. Unlike many thrillers, Cœur de tonnerre involves real Indigenous actors, such as Graham Greene, who had previously portrayed roles reflective of Native culture and struggles, enhancing the film's authenticity.
Director Michael Apted, renowned for his thoughtful directorial style showcased earlier in Gorillas in the Mist, navigates serious themes surrounding the challenges faced by Native Americans, particularly the exploitation of tribal lands and the historical injustices they endure. Cœur de tonnerre culminates not only as a thrilling mystery but also as a poignant commentary on heritage and belonging.
One of the film's backstories involves the actual shooting incident on the Pine Ridge reservation, where Leonard Peltier, member of the American Indian Movement, was involved. The events of June 26, 1975, when two agents of the FBI were shot, serve as the stark reality behind the fictional narrative. Peltier’s long-standing imprisonment and claims of innocence against him relate deeply to the themes of justice and identity within the film.
The relationship between Peltier's case and the film’s narrative was significant to Apted, who previously addressed related issues through documentaries, providing him with insights needed for Cœur de tonnerre. His dedication to showcasing genuine representation resulted not just from casting but through the substantive portrayal of the realities Indigenous peoples face.
The film, budgeted at $15 million, grossed only $23 million at the box office upon its release, making it somewhat of a sleeper hit by today’s standards, deserving another look from modern audiences to appreciate its artistic and cultural merits. Over time, Cœur de tonnerre stands as both historical drama and entertainment, inviting viewers to confront their views about American history and governance concerning Native communities.
Arte's celebration of Kilmer’s works continues with the documentary titled Val, which examines the actor's life through the lens of his own video archives, capturing both his triumphs and tribulations. The juxtaposition of these two significant works—Cœur de tonnerre and Val—offers audiences insight not only on Kilmer's career arc but also on the persistent cultural narratives surrounding Indigenous identities.
For movie lovers and those interested in cinema history, the opportunity to view Cœur de tonnerre is not merely about witnessing another film but engaging with the stories and lives of those often overlooked. This revival showcases Val Kilmer not just as the leading man of his time but as an actor whose roles resonate with personal and broader societal truths. Audiences are invited to reflect on stories woven through film, reaching past entertainment to the very heart of identity and belonging.