Is this offensive?

[Kaylore]

I thought it was funny.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=528496&in_page_id=1773

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.

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_01/StillerVietL_468x607.jpg
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."

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_01/RDJSplitSPL_468x351.jpg
Unrecognisable: Downey, pictured left and right's astonishing transformation was in aid of his role in a war satire directed by comic actor Ben Stiller. He said 'if you don't do it right, we're going to hell'

But the backlash has clearly begun as one comment on a showbiz blog Just Jared said: "I'm not black and I find it offensive; are there not any talented enough black actors out in the world that they feel the need to hire a white guy to do a black guy?"

"They are infering that there are no good enough black actors to play a black person.

"What is the significance of hiring a white guy to play a black part? what are they trying to prove? I bet its to get more publicity."

But in support of Downey's satirical role another comment on the blog said: "I'm black too, and if they were satirising black people yes it would be offensive. but they're not.

"It's FUNNY because they're NOT legitimising negative racial stereotypes, anyone with a brain in his/her head can see how painfully clear that is."

The film centres on a group of pompous actors making the most expensive Vietnam war movie ever made.

Fed up with their self-involved cast, the film's makers drop them into the jungle to take care of themselves, where they get caught up in a conflict they don't realise is real.

The cast also includes Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte and cameos from Tom Cruise and Tobey Maguire.

Stiller said he was "trying to push it as far as you can within reality," with the intent of satirising over-the-top actors, not African-Americans.

"I had no idea how people would respond to it," Stiller told the magazine. But at a recent screening, black viewers liked the film", he said.

The film, Stiller's first as director since Zoolander, also sees his character adopt an Asian baby but worries "that all the good ones have gone".

[Hotrod]

Anyone else have a hard time swallowing Ben Stiller as a military commando type Ha!

[NYC Bronco]

cuba gooding jr is pissed

[Northman]

Was anyone pissed when the (i believe to be) Wayans brothers played white chicks? And wasnt there yet another movie where a black portrayed a white guy? Although i think there are plenty of black actors who are very good i dont really find it that offensive as it is more unecessary.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Wow, they will do anything for to stir up free publicity these days...

[alkemical]

It's fine with me. I laugh at chappelle too.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Anyone else have a hard time swallowing Ben Stiller as a military commando type Ha!

I don't know he's got some "guns" in that picture. LOL

[Beantown Bronco]

Not offensive IMO.

Cate Blanchett just got freaking nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Bob Dylan.

[Atlas]

Watching Ben Stiller in any movie is offensive... Oh this isn't about him???

[Beantown Bronco]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/03_01/StillerVietL_468x607.jpg

I'm more offended that Jack Black is trying to look like Philip Seymour Hoffman, personally.

[TailgateNut]

They're called actors for a reason. OffensiveHilarious!

[DomCasual]

It's only offensive because Robert Downey Jr. is a douchebag.

What do I know, though?

[alkemical]

It's only offensive because Robert Downey Jr. is a douchebag.

What do I know, though?

Obviously, douchebags.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Eddie Murphy played an old white Jew. Where was the outrage then? People just loved to get pissed off over nothing.

[fontaine]

I'm offended that some people might find it offensive.

I'm also incredibly offended that Ben Stiller is going to be playing some army grunt. If I was a vet I would go Rambo on his a$$.

[bronco militia]

"I'm a soooooooul man...."

[ZachKC]

You are easily offended.

[Kaylore]

I'm more offended that Jack Black is trying to look like Philip Seymour Hoffman, personally.

:rofl:

[Kaylore]

You are easily offended.

Who is?

[bowtown]

I'm offended that some people might find it offensive.

I'm also incredibly offended that Ben Stiller is going to be playing some army grunt. If I was a vet I would go Rambo on his a$$.

He's not playing an army grunt... read the article. He's playing a prettyboy actor, playing an army grunt. It's a satire people.

[DomCasual]

Obviously, douchebags.

Hey, everybody has to find their niche in life.

[DomCasual]

"I'm a soooooooul man...."

Wow, that movie was painful to watch. Whatever happened to that guy? He was okay in a few movies, then disappeared.

[rubaiyat]

He's not in the front, but man that is some pretty good disguising. I just glossed over the pic at first, but I didn't think anything of it till I started reading the article. It's weird, and I'll have to see it first before making any judgements, but I don't see anything offensive about it yet. Definitely weird though.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I dont know about Downey, but Jack Black looks riotously funny!

[2KBack]

Those quotes sounded like they were from people that just don't get what the movie is about. It isn't a war movie, it is a movie about egotistical actors making a war movie. Robert Downey Jr. isn't playing a black guy. RDJ is playing a white guy, who thought it would be a good idea to play a black guy.

[yerner]

Looks funny. Like someone said, Murphy's been doing it for years.

[BroncoBuff]

No, it's not.

[ØrangeÇrush]

I'm offended that Robert Downey Jr. is still able to get work. Dude has had more second chances than any ten people combined.

[broncosteven]

I actually thought that "American Ganster" was not flattering for those of color. Sure Frank helped bring a stop to police corruption but what he did to his own people in Harlem was not pretty. At least New Jack City showed the downside to Crack and the violence. This was more Scarface like except it had a happy ending.

[jonny1]

I'm offended that Robert Downey Jr. is still able to get work. Dude has had more second chances than any ten people combined.

Hey, he has done his time and paid his penalties.

He is still able to get work because he IS one of the best actors in the business.

But I forget, to a lot of people on this board, no one deserves another chance . . . .

[TDmvp]

im not sure if that is .... but i am pretty sure this is


http://digg.com/comedy/Modern_Day_Warrior

[Broncobiv]

Robert Downey, Jr. was the best part of Ally McBeal. I loved his character in that show!

[Spider]

I am offended that Brew Crew thinks those are guns .... Twigs with Misquito bites is more like it

[Bronx33]

no and damn good makeup i couldn't tell.

[Dedhed]

I'm sure the offended are just as offended when jews play non jews, and men play women, or women play men, or a million other examples.

I guess I thought the point of acting was playing someone who you AREN'T.

Man, I want to slap someone.

[Los Broncos]

I don't have a problem with it.

[Punisher]

This movie looks funny in ****

[cutthemdown]

Was anyone pissed when the (i believe to be) Wayans brothers played white chicks? And wasnt there yet another movie where a black portrayed a white guy? Although i think there are plenty of black actors who are very good i dont really find it that offensive as it is more unecessary.

That white chicks movie was only offensive for how bad it was. And we already had the movie Soul Man with C thomas Howell. I saw Wanda Sykes I think her name is on TV last night. She is a black comedian and she had a great line. If Obama gets elected blacks are going to need to come up with a new excuse because you can't blame the man, if you are the man!!!!!. I thought that was a great line.

[COBronco 69]

I thought it was funny. Most people today are too worried about how offended they can be, or whos business they can nose in on to think anything is funny.

[cutthemdown]

no and damn good makeup i couldn't tell.

I agree I almost had trouble believing it. He looks like such a real black man I was amazed. It really is the year of the black not rat. Obama is blwoing up and even the best white actors want to be black now. Things are a changin.

[ak1971]

you know whats offensive Kaylore? You White Mormons clogging up the street by my house every Sunday. You drive in your nicely cleaned cars, in your nice clean clothes, while us good little Catholic boys are in bed nursing hangovers, Im offended. :wave:

[Florida_Bronco]

I can't believe people would get offended over that.

[cutthemdown]

I'm offended that Robert Downey Jr. is still able to get work. Dude has had more second chances than any ten people combined.

why should someones drug problem keep them from working in a movie. I think directors for the most part see him as talented, that's why he gets work.

[Pat Bowlen]

Why should this be offensive? As an earlier poster said, the outrage at this thing, which has spread internet-wide, is pretty stupid when it's taken out of context. It's a white guy playing a white guy playing a black guy. So what? How is that offensive?

[Kaylore]

Why should this be offensive? As an earlier poster said, the outrage at this thing, which has spread internet-wide, is pretty stupid when it's taken out of context. It's a white guy playing a white guy playing a black guy. So what? How is that offensive?

I don't know. As I said I thought it was funny. It would appear there's some people that are upset about it - mostly white people, ironically.

[rubaiyat]

Those quotes sounded like they were from people that just don't get what the movie is about. It isn't a war movie, it is a movie about egotistical actors making a war movie. Robert Downey Jr. isn't playing a black guy. RDJ is playing a white guy, who thought it would be a good idea to play a black guy.

Oh is that it? He's playing a white actor that goes special effects to become a black soldier?

OK that could be genius depending on how he goes with that role.

[Hogan11]

Racemen are always on the lookout for any perceived slights.

Yawn, keep moving, nothing to see here.

[broncocalijohn]

Eddie Murphy played an old white Jew. Where was the outrage then? People just loved to get pissed off over nothing.


exactly! I was wondering if someone posted it. Folks, it is called acting and if he does it well, thengood for him. A white guy actually playing a black guy ( not eminim) and be good at it would be worth watching. I cant believe the makeup job. Looks big time real. They had a play Miss Saigon where the lead actor wasnt Vietnamese. Some douche (Bill Press of TV fame now --"liberal") said how offensive and that parts should be balanced according to race, creed, etc. Seems he had a hard time when someone called and then mentioned that more whites then should be in the NBA. Kaylore, if you are offended, then you are just trying to have a touchy feely side which we know you dont have.

[skunk]

comedy is OFFENSIVE!

this is a non-starter, thanks for reading drudge though

[broncocalijohn]

That white chicks movie was only offensive for how bad it was. And we already had the movie Soul Man with C thomas Howell. I saw Wanda Sykes I think her name is on TV last night. She is a black comedian and she had a great line. If Obama gets elected blacks are going to need to come up with a new excuse because you can't blame the man, if you are the man!!!!!. I thought that was a great line.

btw: White chicks rocked. And they, like Downing, were playing characters for a reason not to portray themselves as actual opposite color/sex. White chicks movie on dvd is great. They take too many racy lines out of the tv edition.

[skunk]

btw: White chicks rocked. And they, like Downing, were playing characters for a reason not to portray themselves as actual opposite color/sex. White chicks movie on dvd is great. They take too many racy lines out of the tv edition.

whatever racist :thumbs:

[Gcver2ver3]

Was anyone pissed when the Wayans brothers played white chicks?

Great point...

I'm black and I'm not offended at all. Black folks have dressed up as whites on TV in numerous shows/movies...

I personally want to see how Downey Jr does in that role...

Where it can get interesting is when he speaks...

Will he speak "jive" or just try and sound like an intelligent man...

If for no other reason I'm curious to see how he does..the appearance is amazing..it had me fooled...i thought it was a black dude for sure...:afro:

good stuff...

[Atlas]

Robert Downey, Jr. was the best part of Ally McBeal. I loved his character in that show!

He is great actor. Much better than Stiller. That guy has no talent.

[TheReverend]

I'm just amazed at how convincingly real it looks.

[TheReverend]

Great point...

I'm black and I'm not offended at all. Black folks have dressed up as whites on TV in numerous shows/movies...

I personally want to see how Downey Jr does in that role...

Where it can get interesting is when he speaks...

Will he speak "jive" or just try and sound like an intelligent man...

If for no other reason I'm curious to see how he does..the appearance is amazing..it had me fooled...i thought it was a black dude for sure...:afro:

good stuff...

:rofl: Haha, it'd be hilarious if all they adjusted was the appearance and he acted completely like the rest of his roles with his blatantly white voice and all

[Killericon]

I'm fine with it.

[Jason in LA]

If Obama gets elected blacks are going to need to come up with a new excuse because you can't blame the man, if you are the man!!!!!. I thought that was a great line.

Yeah, because racism is just a figment of our imaginations. ::)

BTW, I'm not offended by this movie. If done right it could be funny.

[DenverBrit]

Was anyone pissed when the (i believe to be) Wayans brothers played white chicks? And wasnt there yet another movie where a black portrayed a white guy? Although i think there are plenty of black actors who are very good i dont really find it that offensive as it is more unecessary.

That was 'Watermelon Man' from the early 70's.
Godfrey Cambridge played a racist white man who one morning wakes up black.

'An extremely bigotted white man find out the hard (and somewhat humorous) way what it's like being a black man, firsthand!'

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066550/