Posted on 03/08/2008 5:58:43 PM PST by BenLurkin
Actor Robert Downey Jr has in the past been applauded for his edgy roles.
But his latest may be a step too far - as the actor dons make-up to play a rather convincing looking black man in a new Hollywood film starring comic actor Ben Stiller.
In a still from film Tropic Thunder, Downey Jnr is sandwiched between Ben Stiller, and a blonde Jack Black.
Controversial: Actor Robert Downey Jr is virtually unrecognisble seen here sandwiched between actors Jack Black, left, and Ben Stiller, in an image from new film Tropic Thunder in which he wore a wig and make-up to look like a black man
With his afro hair and brown skin, he is virtually unrecognisable as the 42-year-old star of stage and screen.
Downey Jr plays a worthy Oscar-winning actor taking on a role originally written for a black actor, and rather than re-write the part, he goes method.
Clearing anticipating a backlash, Downey Jr told a US magazine: "If it's done right, it could be the type of role you called Peter Sellers to do 35 years ago. If you don't do it right, we're going to hell."
It’s actually a comedy, on IMDB.com it says
“Through a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying”
I have seen White Chicks at least 50 times. I don’t recall any major backlash. And it isn’t done in a parody way, but it is really amazing the make up!
Hey, I am just glad RDJr managed to make it through a movie without being arrested and/or crashing in a little girls bed.
It actually makes a little bit of sense in context. The movie is apparently about a trio of demanding actors who are dropped into a real war zone when their producers get fed up with them. They think it’s just a movie. So, I wouldn’t expect them to even look like they know what they’re doing.
Good “point.” (no pun intended - :)
Thanks for the info!
Ben Stiller is in way better shape than I would have guessed. Successful Hollywood actors have lots of time for gyms and personal trainers. Even the comedians.
It’s a comedy. From what I can gather, the movie is about a group of actors and a production company who go to some Third World country to film a war movie and then a real war breaks out and they have to fight for their lives. Downey’s role as a black person is part of the plot.
Isn’t the plot premise about a white guy who had to put on blackface in order to get hired? I’d think this would negate the racism angle. But nobody cares about that.
It’s the backlash by dumb blondes that will kill it.
Along with Queen Latifah and Will Farrell, is one of the most over-rated "actors" in Hollywood.
Hello? Hello? Hello! This is a COMEDY! Or did you think that Zoolander was a serious look at the world of male modeling?
Well ain't that a relief! lol
Is there a Tootsie/Silver Streak angle also? RD Jr. can't get any rolls as a white guy and everyone knows he's a pita, so he does like George Caldwell and plasters on the shoe polish?
Will Farrell overrated? Get real. He’s a talented actor/comedian.
Of course, Downey's best work was in "Betty Ford: the Musical"
"Check it out! I'm checkin' in!!"
How's that possible??? It's got Ben Stiller in it.
I know that black guy.....
Godfrey Cambridge played a white guy in the first act.
Then he thinks he's having a dream about a great sunlamp.
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