Jul 24th, 2008 | Robert Downey Jr survey

Robert Downey Jr. in blackface for Tropic Thunder is...


In the upcoming Ben Stiller-directed comedy Tropic Thunder, Robert Downey Jr. plays an actor who takes a role written for a black man...and decides to play the role as written, in blackface.  (Full story)


Robert Downey Jr. in blackface for Tropic Thunder is...


113 votes, 404 views , 6 comments
 
 
Poll tags:Robert Downey Jr, Film, Movies, Summer Movies, Cinema, Popcorn Movies, Comedy, Comedies, Race, Actors, Hollywood, Wide Releases, New Releases

 
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Comments (6)
Drowlord
(Reply)
Texas, United States

posted Aug 5th, 2008 at 17:26 CDT

That's not my understanding.  From what I read, it was a role meant for a black person.  This reminds me of the early 1900's, when white people routinely wore "black face" to play negros, specifically to keep black people out of film.  I don't think the motive is racist, here, of course.  I just think it would have been better to give the role to a black person.

Frecklesrsexy
(Reply)
Ohio, United States

posted Jul 28th, 2008 at 13:43 CDT

I thought that was the whole point? I don't think it was about him taking away a job from an african american actor, I think it was poking fun at the movie industry using actors of one ethnicity portraying a character of a different one.

Mouse1996
(Reply)
North Carolina, United States

posted Jul 28th, 2008 at 09:59 CDT

I think Robert makes for a good looking black man.  I wouldn't have known it if I hadn't read about it here.  Now I understand where Drowlord is coming from, but its a comedy about a role written for a white actor but the role is of a black man.  It wouldn't make sense to put a black man in his place. So I understand that and really don't see anything wrong with it.  It is what it is.

(Reply)
posted Jul 26th, 2008 at 08:06 CDT

there is nothing offensive with it, its comedy and its to poke fun at actors thats all did anyone have a problem with Eddie murphy doing it? robert can doing anything he is a brilliant actor its nothing to do with being racist, its about how much of a moron actors are what they go through to be in a movie do you think they would make a racist movie...no stop being. dumbasses! go and watch white chicks its the same as what robert is doing only smarter

Drowlord
(Reply)
Texas, United States

posted Jul 25th, 2008 at 12:46 CDT

There are relatively few black roles in Hollywood, and many talented black actors who struggle to get by.  It seems unfair to have a high-budget, high-profile film with a prominent black character, and put a white person with makeup in that spot.

(Reply)
posted Jul 24th, 2008 at 21:26 CDT

Great make-up. Great actor.

 
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