Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Val Kilmer, an actor known for his roles in movies such as "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," and "The Doors." In the quote, Kilmer reflects on the understanding of the serial killer by Jim Thompson, an American author and screenwriter. The quote suggests that Thompson had an early understanding of the psychology of serial killers, specifically their detachment and subconscious desire to get caught, which predates the formal psychological understanding of this phenomenon.

Jim Thompson was known for his contributions to hardboiled crime fiction, and his works often delved into the dark and twisted aspects of the human psyche. It is likely that his exploration of complex and disturbed characters in his novels and screenplays provided him with insights into the motivations and behaviors of individuals who commit heinous crimes, such as serial killers.

The notion that serial killers are detached and may harbor a subconscious desire to get caught is a thought-provoking one. It suggests that these individuals may operate with a sense of detachment from their actions, as if they are not fully connected to the gravity of their crimes. This detachment could manifest in a variety of ways, such as a lack of remorse or a disconnect from the suffering they inflict on their victims.

Furthermore, the idea that serial killers may, on some level, want to get caught raises questions about the complex interplay of motivations and psychological factors driving their behavior. It challenges the conventional understanding of criminal intent and raises the possibility that some serial killers may engage in behaviors that increase the likelihood of their capture, consciously or unconsciously.

Val Kilmer's reflection on Jim Thompson's understanding of the serial killer suggests that Thompson was ahead of his time in recognizing these psychological dynamics. It implies that Thompson's insights may have been overlooked or underappreciated before the broader psychological and criminological community caught up to the complexities of serial killer psychology.

In the context of criminal psychology, the quote prompts consideration of the evolving understanding of serial killers and the ongoing efforts to unravel the intricacies of their motivations and behaviors. It highlights the importance of delving into the minds of individuals who commit such atrocities in order to better comprehend and potentially prevent such crimes in the future.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Val Kilmer about Jim Thompson's understanding of the serial killer offers a thought-provoking perspective on the psychological dynamics at play in the minds of individuals who commit repeated and often horrific acts of violence. It underscores the ongoing quest to unravel the complexities of criminal psychology and the insights that authors, such as Jim Thompson, can offer into the darkest corners of the human psyche.