EW’S CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
EW spoke to ROBERT DOWNEY JR. just a few weeks ago. I didn’t put up it up because I had all ready linked to an interview that he had just done for PARADE magazine.
However, although many people assumed that IRON MAN would be a big success, I don’t think anyone really had any idea just how monumental it was going to become. Considering that it blew sky high last weekend and the box office was far beyond most individuals’ expectations, EW caught up with him again and conducted a follow up. In this discussion, he dishes on his brand new hit, the inevitable sequel and his upcoming project THE SOLOIST.
What a difference several days makes. Sometimes it only takes one. I am astoundingly happy for him. As far as I’m concerned, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
To peruse the article, please go here
May 7, 2008 at 5:50 am
Downey’s an excellent actor–his work in “Chaplin” was nothing short of brilliant. And now he’s wasting his time and talent on a paper thin, superficial, CGI-filled comic book adaptation. What a shame. Since I fancy myself a discerning film-goer, with a mental age over 14 and an IQ at least twice that, I’ll be giving this film a wide berth…
May 7, 2008 at 6:19 am
You are completely right. ROBERT DOWNEY JR. is an excellent actor. But this is how the game is played now. Iron Man has grossed over $100,000,000 domestically. That means that his profile is automatically boosted and he’ll not only be able to have a career with a little more longevity, but the meaty, challenging projects that he wants to make will be more available to him due to his current film’s wildly successful box office.
Before the 70s, I understand that no prestige actors would go near fanciful comic book style movies. But JAWS and the first STAR WARS TRILOGY changed that forever. (Plus we also had a fantasy epic win Best Picture in this particular decade.) Now film artists use these blockbusters to get their names established so that they are able to find work in more “serious” genres.
I don’t know if that’s progress, Mr. Burns. But, for good or ill, that’s the way it is…
May 7, 2008 at 8:08 am
Well, I don’t hold this against Mr. Downey, just like I didn’t hold POTC against Depp. As Miranda points out, it’s the way it is. I consider myself a discerning moviegoer with a mental age over 14 and a high IQ and I enjoyed IRON MAN. Not every movie made has to be - or can be - a groundbreaking classic. Movies are for entertainment, too, and this was a fun time at the movies and pretty damn good for what it was.
I’m glad that Downey is getting the boost to his career and is proving himself a box office draw, even if he had to do a superhero movie (which, as I said, is not bad for what it is - and I’m not a fan of the genre. I saw the movie because RD Jr. was in it). This success will hopefully allow him to now choose the better, meaty roles that he can really sink his teeth into, in quality ‘higher-art’ films. I look forward to seeing him land a role where he can truly show off the amazing talent and virtuosity that he showed in CHAPLIN.
Nice article. I found it online this morning and was going to post a comment on the other RD Jr. post to point you to it, Miranda. But you already found it.
May 7, 2008 at 8:22 am
Great minds think alike, Alison. Or great minds that happen to be ROBERT DOWNEY JR. fans, as the case may be.
Thanks for thinking of me, though. I appreciate your thoughtfulness a great deal…
May 8, 2008 at 5:59 am
Gals: Rumor had it that the Bond producers offered Clive Owen everything but the kitchen sink to be the new James Bond and he turned them down with alacrity because he wanted to be respected as an actor, make GOOD films and not part of a franchise. It’s a myth that you have to attach yourself to these dopey popcorn movies to get ahead. Owen has more integrity than that and Downey–an admittedly fine actor–should have told the comic book people to get stuffed. Do you really think anyone will be talking about “Iron man” five years from now? It’s time audiences grew up and started watching adult fare. “Chimes at Midnight” just arrived in my mailbox and I’ll take that one over these superficial, CGI extravagances any day…
May 8, 2008 at 6:15 am
I heard Clive say on a talk show that Bond was never formally offered to him. Was it at some later date? I don’t know.
(Plus he’s also a spokesmodel for Lancome and has been for some time. That will bring considerable income in that’s not related specifically to acting.)
But I do know that if you’re going to have a long, successful career in the film industry that you have to be realistic (as opposed to idealistic) in regards to the roles that you choose…