Val Kilmer's 'Jackal Breath' Made RDJ Hate Their Kiss Scene
Robert Downey Jr. couldn't stop complaining about his co-star's breath during their memorable kissing scene in this cult Christmas comedy. The behind-the-scenes story reveals hilarious details about what really happened between takes.
Some movie scenes become legendary for their on-screen magic, while others gain fame for the wild stories that happen behind the camera. The kissing scene between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in Shane Black's 2005 crime comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang falls squarely into the second category.
This cult classic, which has earned a reputation as an unconventional Christmas movie, features a brief kiss between the two leading men that apparently left Downey Jr. with some serious complaints. During interviews with IGN, both actors shared their very different perspectives on filming that particular moment.
The Breath That Launched a Thousand Complaints
According to Kilmer, he absolutely enjoyed the experience, while his co-star had a completely different reaction. Kilmer recalled how Downey Jr. wouldn't stop griping about it afterward.
"I loved it. He complained, complained, complained," Kilmer shared during the interview.
Downey Jr. didn't hold back when describing his experience either. His main issue? Kilmer's breath, which he compared to that of a wild animal.
"He smelled like the breath of a jackal. I don't know why he saved jackal breath for our kissing scene," the future Iron Man star revealed.
While audiences found the scene entertaining and Kilmer clearly had a good time with it, Downey Jr. apparently never let his co-star forget about the unpleasant olfactory experience. Their playful back-and-forth about the kiss has become one of the film's most memorable behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
Kilmer's Surprising Enthusiasm
Despite all of Downey Jr.'s joking complaints about their Kiss Kiss Bang Bang smooch, Kilmer maintained a remarkably positive attitude about the whole thing. He never quite understood why his co-star made such a big deal about it, even in jest.
In a 2005 interview with The Guardian, Kilmer went so far as to say he'd be willing to do similar scenes again, but only under one specific condition - it would have to be with Downey Jr. He made it clear that he wouldn't be interested if it involved any other male co-star.
"I don't know how I'd feel about having an actual relationship – separate from Robert. I think it's got to be Robert or no one. It's gonna be in my contract," Kilmer joked.
He even compared Downey Jr. favorably to Colin Farrell, another actor he'd shared a kiss with on screen. According to Kilmer, the comparison wasn't even close.
"You know, the only other guy I've kissed was Colin Farrell, and Robert was … better. Colin's sloppy. Well no, not sloppy – but he's not a giver. He really did [slip in the tongue]. And there was some groping too. He looks like a groper, doesn't he?"
Why This Crime Comedy Works as Holiday Viewing
Beyond the infamous kissing scene, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang has carved out a unique niche as an alternative Christmas movie. Set in sunny Los Angeles rather than a snow-covered landscape, Shane Black's film uses the holiday season as an ironic backdrop for its noir-inspired story.
The plot follows Harry Lockhart, a small-time criminal who accidentally gets mixed up in a murder investigation during the holidays. Teamed up with a sharp private detective and reconnecting with a childhood crush, Harry navigates through crime, chaos, and Hollywood's bizarre underbelly while Christmas decorations twinkle in the background.
What makes the movie work as holiday entertainment is precisely this contrast. The festive atmosphere clashes with dark humor, violence, and themes of isolation, creating something entirely different from traditional Christmas fare. In Shane Black's world, the holidays aren't about warmth and togetherness - they're about irony and the loneliness that can exist even during supposedly joyful times.
The film earned an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and runs for 1 hour and 43 minutes. It's currently available for rental or purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV.