So last week I was on the phone with a friend while I was watching TV. I saw an oft-repeated commercial for the movie “Tropic Thunder”. To be honest, at the time I didn’t know the title of the movie because I tend to tune commercials out. But I did laugh out loud when the black character said to Ben Stiller’s character, “What do you mean, ‘you people?'”
So my friend asks, “do you know who that is?” Her words had TRICK QUESTION all over it. She’s never honest or forthright with me like I am with her. So I carefully considered my answer while she chuckled. I thought it was Eddie Griffin, but I knew the answer couldn’t be an obvious one. So instead I said, “Eddie Murphy?”
After she finished laughing hysterically, she informed me that the actor was Robert Downey Jr in blackface. In no time, I was Googling the movie because I didn’t believe her. Why would a producer use a white man to play Eeddie Griffin when Eddie Griffin was available?
When I told my friend I was writing a post about it, she said, “don’t bother. You’re the only one who didn’t know that.”
Am I the only one who didn’t know that Robert Downey Jr was playing Eddie Griffin in blackface?
The movie supposedly pokes fun at “pampered Hollywood stars” by dropping them in the middle of a live war zone. Downey plays a serious Oscar-winning actor named Kirk Lazarus, who plays Sgt. Osiris in the movie-within-a-movie.
Anyway, the Osiris part calls for a black actor. So Lazarus dyes his face and body to play the part. Before you go firing off those emails and letters, remember: it’s supposed to be a comedy.
Yea I knew it was Downey…This was a hot topic when they first revealed Robert would be in Black face…Ive decided to see the film before I pass judgement. If shawn and marlon can get away with it,,,,Of course it’s different because of the history tied to actors in Black face,,,,So yes I’ll see the film first then comment…
Yeah .. I knew it was Robert Downey JR and I’ll see it anyway … it’s just entertainment ..
They are trying to tell us something… Look at Angelina Jolie… She played in black face too…
Oh and btw that looks nothing like Eddie.lmao. If you were White I’d accuse you of….Well no it looks nothing like him. Id have guessed Gary Dourdan or somebody before I guessed Eddie.
yes, but this looks like is going to be funny!
Uhhhhhhhh cant say if you’re the only one, but I’ve known it was Robert Downey Jr. ever since I seen the trailer for the first time, and it says……….. Robert Downey Jr. go figure
No you are not the only one but this movie has been an issue for a long time now. The critics have slammed the producers of this movie for a few months now, and I saw the first preview back in May. I knew it was Robert Downey Jr. from the start but I could see where someone else would think its Eddie Griffin. I think it’s a poor attempt to make light of a past for African Americans in cinema by saying that we’ve come a long way… Yeah right and I don’t think it’s cute but if you set aside the seriousness of Tropic Thunder, it just might be a funny movie. Ben Stiller is known for doing things off the cuff and making it work. So we’ll just see if he can pull it off.
I’m expecting it to be the funniest thing I’ve seen since Mr. Woodcock. Plus this is a very big comedic role for Brandon T. Jackson. I’m really happy for him. His character’s name is Alpa Chino. lol. I wonder if he is playing a rapper. I can’t way to see it.
I mean “wait to see it.”
yeah it looks like its going to be funny…we’ll see.
First of all he looks nothing like Eddie Griffin. Second of all what is your definition of blackface? That is not what I consider blackface. Blackface is black makeup that is used to poke fun at black peoples features. Let’s not make this a racial issue. It’s just a movie. The Wayans brothers did it in White Chicks and you didn’t hear a peep out of white folks about it. Let it go, it’s just comedy.
All jokes aside…he does look Black…and that movie looks funny as hell…
I didn’t know.
ITS JUST A STUPID MOVIE PERIOD!
I don’t have a problem with the movie. It does help to know what it is about before one gets mad that they can’t hire a black man to play the black mans role.(That was the hot topic). I admire the great makeup. He does not look like he is in what I consider black face, so his role in the movie makes it less offensive. I wonder if Robert kept the makeup on and went to a real hood after work, or a Country Club with black ppl? He looks like a black man to me.
Oh come on folks – no need for the political soapboxes on this one.
I think the premise is that this guy is so hungry for a movie role (Downey Jr.’s character) and so “respected” that they allow him to don the “black face”. It’s just a comedy – nothing more, nothing less – poking fun at pompous actors.
He’s not acting “coonish” and the makeup is not that seen back in the day when white actors put on pitch black makeup and danced around mocking us.
Well Sandra as you can see everyone knew it was Robert Downey:) It looks like it is going to be a funny movie!!!
I knew it was Robert Downey Jr. also. I typically don’t see movies with so much stupidity but everytime I see the commercial I find myself cracking up.
sandra you are soooo not keeping up with the news. this information has been out for awhile now.
brwnsugga4you Says:
sandra you are soooo not keeping up with the news. this information has been out for awhile now.
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When I read the post I couldn’t help but think the same thing. This is her post, isn’t it her job to keep us updated and informed?
Is this the new Ben Stiller movie???
Welp, being that I don’t watch TV that much (taxicab for child at your service and bedtime is around 5ish)I had no clue. Coulda’ fooled the heck outta me. I didn’t think he looked like Eddie, but he does look black.
I remember seeing a commercial for this a while back and I remember laughing at the part when they kept dipping Ben in the water over and over and he kept yelling “CUT! CUT!” I thought that was some funny mess. Other than that, I have no clue what you’re talking about.
Yes Sandra, you are the only one who didn’t know that was Robert Downy Jr.
lol ^^
I didn’t know intially, but after seeing some behind the scenes moments I became aware. Downey’s character is actually playing a white man, playing a black character. This is not considered black face. And as many others have said…The Wayne brothers have done it. So has Eddie (Griffin and Murphey). I hope no one tries to make an issue of this. We have many battels and this is not one of them. IMO.
Yeah Sandra you are….I have seen the previews for this…he is playing an actor, who did the “Michael Jackson in reverse” –getting a surgical procedure to darkened his skin– for the role of a black soldier.
LMAO The movie is about them shooting a movie, and they get caught up in a real war….
I knew that it was Robert Downey Jr. as well… They have been advertising this movie for months.
ggouch Says:
I didn’t know intially, but after seeing some behind the scenes moments I became aware. Downey’s character is actually playing a white man, playing a black character.
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….that’s why I want to see it. Sounds comical.
um yeah, u r. it’s comedy. anjelina played a black woman, surely robert can play a black man. he’s not poking fun at black people. his character is a famous black actor in the movie.
of course it’s a white man. robert downey can act too. how could u think he was eddie g? oh well.
looks funny as hell to me. the whole concept is comical. however i won’t pay to see it.
Even in black face, Robert Downey Jr. looks 50 times better than Eddie Griffin. Sandra, sweetie, please get your eyes checked.
I knew it was Robert Downey Jr, movie looks funny, I liked the white chicks movie so I will see this BUT it better not be any overt racist bs.I know they conceal racism in various movies.
yes ur the only one sandra….lol
I can’t wait to see it……which makes me nervous cuz sumtimes it doesnt live up to ur expectations, but i luv robert downy jr, glad he’s gotten it together, and acting again
I remember seeing a commercial for this a while back and I remember laughing at the part when they kept dipping Ben in the water over and over and he kept yelling “CUT! CUT!” I thought that was some funny mess. Other than that, I have no clue what you’re talking about.
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I LOVE that part, I’m cracking the hell up now. Also, the part where the captors (sp) keep hitting him with a bamboo stick hella hard, and he says were there re-writes. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, that kills me everytime, I got tears in my eyes
The man is some great actor who’s so devoted to his craft, that he decided to get his skin died. The characters know he’s white, actually an Aussie. That’s why Brandon…… calls him Crocodile Hunter, Capt Kangaroo. The issue of his skin color is part of the movie as well.
I just noticed a couple days ago that it was Downey Jr., so you aren’t alone, but he looks nothin like Eddie Griffin. I really didn’t pay any attention when the tv ad came on all this time cuz it sounds like something else I’ll never bother to go see…just the other day I actually LOOKED at the ad, and was like, OH!! LOL!
That’s not blackface…and besides…don’t lie that we all didn’t watch the mess out of Soul Man back in the day and nobody complained!!!
I cant wait to see this movie. Before it turns into a race issue, the point of the movies are they are all actors. Robert Downey Jr. happens to be one of the actors playing a black guy. I laugh everytime I see the commercial. For the first time in my adult years, I have heard more things being considered racist than I have heard in a long time. I wonder if it has anything to do with Obama running for president. Since he doesnt have any special powers once he gets in office, I think people need to just lay off all these racist scenarios. This is a simple funny movie, and I will be laughing out loud when I see it at Robert Downey.
I agree with all the past posters.
This is clearly NOT blackface.
Let’s flip it….why would they get a black man to play a white man who plays a black man in a film??? Yeah see that makes no sense.
So tuck away your picket signs Sandra for another day.
Can’t wait to see Downey do his thing on the real. Dude is an amazing actor. Glad he kicked that habit!!!!
LOL
I’m actually proud of Robert Downey Jr. also….I liked his movies as a teen…..I thought “Less Than Zero” was a true story for him….LOL
I loved “Iron Man”, and glad to see him turn his life around and start making that paper again…..He’s getting ready to be Sherlock Holmes next…..
if you notice in the clips..one of the black actors(forgot his name) keeps getting into Downey’s ass about being black..it’s a comedy and should be taken lightly..however it amazes me that our so called black leaders didn’t find ANY reason to boycott this movie but damn near killed themselves trying to boycott Barbershop when it came out behind Ced’s character..in which they later had to look foolish about doing so..you don’t have a problem with a white man playing a black man..but you have an issue with an old crusty black man who has an issue with everybody..that no one ever agreed with? Really makes you wonder sometimes…