In less than a year, LA teen Kilmer has gone from the Saint Laurent runway to playing the spliff-happy lead in Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto. “It’s important there is an alternative – a more honest representation,” he says of the film’s in-your-face suburban sincerity. Next year, he’ll star alongside Juno Temple in indie drama Len and Company and keep strumming on the side. “I’ve recorded three or four albums,” he explains. “I’ll probably just put them out for free soon.”
What do you feel is the defining pop culture moment of 2014?
Jack Kilmer: When Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup.
How did it feel to walk in the Saint Laurent show? Were you nervous?
Jack Kilmer: Strangely, I was not very nervous walking. The lights cloud your vision and the music is very loud – it’s as if there was no audience. However, I was very nervous for the days preceding. The thought of literally slipping off the runway in my leather boots was burned into my mind.
What is your favourite song and movie of 2014?
Jack Kilmer: Favourite song this year is probably “XMAS_EVET10 [120] [thanaton3 mix]” from Aphex Twin’s new album. Favourite movie: I’m not sure. I think Boyhood and The Lego Movie were the most innovative.
Sum up in a sentence or two what you expect of yourself in 2015.
Jack Kilmer: I have made plans for the coming year. I might not stick to them, but they give me purpose in my day-to-day life. I expect myself to live out some of these plans and hopefully have closure on some of the plans I made last year.
What is the most exciting thing about music/film/fashion industry to you?
Jack Kilmer: The most exciting thing is discovering that these industries exist on creative people and they can encourage people to be individuals.
Who is an unsung cultural hero you discovered this year?
Jack Kilmer: Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry for his innovation and influence in the genre of dub reggae. Also the poet Rainer Maria Rilke, he has opened up my mind to poetry like no other author I’ve read.
What is it like working with Hedi Slimane?
Jack Kilmer: Very inspirational! He is very honest, incredibly driven and dedicated to his craft. He loves people and continues to grow and learn as an artist, even though he can afford not to.
Who is your ultimate style icon?
Jack Kilmer: The one and only Bobby Gillespie!
Jack wears t-shirt by Uniqlo; jeans by G-Star Raw
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