Robert Downey Jr. Breaks Down His Career, from 'Iron Man' to 'Oppenheimer' | Vanity Fair
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- Опубликовано: 15 май 2024
- Robert Downey Jr. walks us through his legendary career, discussing his roles in 'Pound,' 'Less Than Zero,' 'Chaplin,' 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,' 'Zodiac,' 'Iron Man,' 'The Judge,' 'Oppenheimer' and more.
OPPENHEIMER is in theaters July 21, 2023, www.oppenheimermovie.com/
SAG-AFTRA members are currently on strike; as part of the strike, union actors are not promoting their film and TV projects. This video was conducted prior to the strike.
Director: Adam Lance Garcia
Director of Photography: Brad Wickham
Editor: Cory Stevens
Guest: Robert Downey Jr.
Producer: Frank Cosgriff
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Rafael Vasquez
Production Manager: Natasha Soto-Albors
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Talent Booker: Meredith Judkins
Camera Operator: Chloe Ramos
Audio Engineer: Lily van Leeuwen
Production Assistant: Rowmel Findley
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
00:00 "It never will get better than it is right now."
00:40 Pound
01:47 Less Than Zero
03:24 Chaplin
06:15 Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
08:24 Zodiac
10:54 Iron Man
14:01 The Judge
15:23 Sr.
18:23 Oppenheimer
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Развлечения
It’s hard to believe there was a time in the early 2000s in which he was completely written off as a has-been, a basket case, a joke etc. Truly one of the greatest seconds acts in Hollywood history.
We do it with loads of celebs, Shia, Lindsay Lohan, Britney etc
@@Aspie_guy2975He's been dead in the MCU for 5 years....
It was part of the novelty of the first one or two Ironman movies.
@@willcroot5528 He will be back as a robot
how come you can't edit your wikipedia article anymore?
No tropic thunder? Dude literally got nominated for best supporting actor for his role playing a dude, playing another dude, disguised as another dude.
we both know why they avoided it lol
@@camouflaging6090 So stupid.
We know he doesn’t want to remind the audience about blackface… wack lol, should’ve been in the commentary within the video
Like not talking about Ally McBeal cos that was the start of his troubled blacklisted era.
And he won
RDJ's portrayal of Strauss as a wolf in sheep's clothing is absolutely chilling. His mannerism, gait, posture as a gentleman thoroughly had me fooled up till the end.
Edit: Typo for 'RBJ'
Robert Bowney Jr.?
@@BatmanHQYT Oops
@@BatmanHQYTbow down
Dude it sure was....
@@BatmanHQYTI think that's a cool name for 1800s name... 😂😂😂
He's so humble and honest about his career and his ups and downs! So incredbly proud of him.
Humble? You're joking 😂
He is not. He is always pompous and condescending but he is smart and very charming.
@@meshzy13yeah he’s a real life Tony stark. Maybe just a little more humble.
@@milo6468 Yes he is humble! Gotta problem?
@@meshzy13 AND HUMBLE! NOW HUSH!
It's literally a crime they didn't cover the Sherlock Holmes movies.... They are what made me truly become a Robert Downey Jr fan...
i love those 2 movies
Maybe they wanted to focus on the more dramatic roles in RDJ’s timeline.
Probably just a legal / media rights thing
@@metagoatthe Sherlock movies are great!
DISCOMBOBULATE
Definitely a best supporting actor nomination for Oppenheimer in his future. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss was amazing.
u say, i can leaave mom and sis at my 39? is it possible? can i have my own house at my 39?
The movie Probably Won't even qualify for Oscar's based on their new criteria.
I was thinking that but also for Nolan and Cillian while I was watching it. It made me cry which isn't easy to do.
Yes, in my opinion, it's his finest performance yet!❤
I haven’t seen the full movie but I have seen a few clips and one of Cillian and Downey together and I’m going to say that both are winning oscars or getting nominated at least. Cillian probably for best actor and Downey for best supporting actor. I know I haven’t seen it but just saying for sure.
Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in Chaplin was a masterclass in acting. His interpretation of the iconic figure was so nuanced and compelling, it ranks among his best performances to date. Truly an unforgettable cinematic experience.
I agree. Before I saw that, I had seen him in the Marvel movies and Sherlock Holmes and felt he often played a version of himself. But when I saw Chaplin, he WAS Chaplin-his preparation made the movie!
Trulyyy💯
that’s probably my favorite movie of his, besides Oppenheimer 💯
LMAOOOOO too funny hahaha
The Sherlock Holmes movies are insanely underrated and Downey was great in them
Leaving out Tropic and Sherlock was a mistake, but this was a joy to watch. Such a fantastic actor and a thought-provoking guy.
Also The Soloist. LOVED his performance along with Jamie Foxx.
most likely on purpose since he wants to bury his "black face"
I had the same exact thought. Was waiting for him to talk on Sherlock the entire time, then he made the comment about Warner Brothers and I was like "Ooooof".
@@Malthazarewhat comment?
@@soldat88hunHe clearly does not want to bury it. That is the movie that brought him back to acting
The way RDJ portrayed Strauss through the lens of hubris perfectly encapsulated with how he walks, entirely full of himself, when Oppie and Albert were chatting; I would put this performance above Tropic Thunder, in my opinion.
Oppenslimer is overrated.
Tropic Thunder is the real deal.
Sad you got a pathetic taste.
i will start walking at 40, what does it mean? will i leave mom and sis at 40?
That is saying a lot 😮! Watching him as Lincoln Osiris blows my mind every time.
ups and downs? like doing lots of coke?
Tropic Thunder, seriously? the guy won the oscar for Chaplin
forgetting to ask RDJ about Sherlock Holmes is truly unforgivable. some of my favorite films of all time. they're so fun and have a great aesthetic. Jude Law is incredible in those movies too.
Robert Downey Jr. will forever be the face of Ironman in my mind. Such a great film.
I’m glad we live in a timeline where RDJ survived and thrived.
Robert Downey Jr. doesn't necessarily remind you of a laundry detergent, but that of a great actor more than capable of conveying complex emotions on screen.
Hilarious!
they skipped tropic thunder
Mans said laundry detergent wtf are u taking about 💀
Bro, Downey is a liquid softener not a detergent smh
It's actually spelled Downy, without the E.
I dont think I've ever heard RDJ talk outside of character--dude is extremely intellectual. Love hearing his perspective on film and life overall.
He has a very particular and specific diction. Same with Josh Brolin.
I honestly believe RDJ is one of the greatest actors of our era.
This is wonderful, but how could you skip Tropic Thunder? It's one of two Oscar nominations the guy's gotten. I know the part's a little more controversial now, but that's all the more reason to talk about it.
It was on the list, but we had to cut it, sadly.
Thank you
@@AdamLanceGarciaffs…😢
@@eongxien The initial list had (i think) 15 different projects I wanted to discuss
@AdamLanceGarcia It's literally the movie I was looking forward to him talking about. How could it be cut???
So well spoken. My heart breaks for him, how you handle losing a parent while making a film is beyond me. He’s a true inspiration.
He lost his dad?
@@leonardobraynen1524he passed away in July of 2021
@@leonardobraynen1524 Pay attention dude!
@@leonardobraynen1524rewatch the part on Sr.
I’m happy to know we have a Tony Stark in our Universe by the name of Robert Downey Jr. 😌
He really should have won an Oscar for Chaplin.
Him and Cillian deserve Oscars for Oppenheimer. Genuinely remarkable performances which is saying a lot after watching the movie because literally every actor brings their A game.
He HAS to get an Oscar for Oppenheimer. Was incredible as Lewis Strauss. “Oppy turned all the scientists against me! He said something to Einstein!”
I haven’t seen it yet but so glad to hear he has a significant role and was allowed to shine.
After being neglected of a win for Chaplin, I agree....
@@shouvikghosh8946 The ONLY reason Pacino got the Oscar for Scent of a Woman (which is a film I love) is that the Academy basically thought 'oh, it's time he got an Oscar'... while his performance was great, RDJ was better in Chaplin and actually DESERVED the award for his acting in Chaplin!
As a matter of fact, if Pacino lost for SCENT OF A WOMAN, he would have set the record for most acting nominations without ever winning (it was his 8th nomination), and would have achieved this record BEFORE Peter O'Toole (and later Glenn Close) set it. Close and O'Toole jointly hold this record now. In any event, both were competing against Denzel Washington in MALCOLM X as well.
In the 1950s Frank Sinatra was seen as the greatest comeback story in entertainment where his second act surpassed his first. I believe Robert Downey Jr. is the greatest comeback story of this part of the 21st Century where his second act has surpassed his first. Definitely a best supporting actor nomination for his role in Oppenheimer.
To this day, I don't know how RDJ didn't win the Oscar for Chaplin. He was supreme.
How this guy hasn’t won an Oscar, I have no idea. A phenomenal actor.
He won Oscar for supporting role in Tropic Thunder, I guess. Please correct if wrong.
@@manumudgal4988 He was nominated but didn't win
He's definitely going be nominated for supporting actor for oppenhemier
@@RedHeadThriller10i hope he wins
The 2 nominations he’s received he had the rotten luck of going up against 2 other industry titans
92 - Best Actor for Chaplin notation, lost to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman
07 - Best Supporting Actor for Tropic Thunder, lost to Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight
Maybe 3rd times the charm? He was outstanding in Oppenheimer … actually took me about 10 minutes into the film to realize it was him
It's even hard to put into words how I was impressed with RDJ's performance in Oppenheimer. The way he was speaking, moving and how his whole face was showing every single emotion running and delivering it so clearly. It was anxiously thrilling to watch how everything around his character was unveiling and showing true colours.
He deserve an Oscar for supporting role and I really hope that he will get it.
This is my favourite career breakdown. RDJ is intelligent but also has so much film intelligence and experience. And he has the experience of falling very low and coming back up again which has given him a layer of humility and compassion. I've loved his acting since I was teenager and saw Less Than Zero, a movie that stayed with me for months. I was so happy when he started to make a comeback in Ally McBeal and heartbroken again when he fell off yet again. But I've never counted him out. He's a rare actor who can be heroic and delicate and it's wonderful to see him happy and healthy now. His commentary on his movies was wonderful to listen to. Thanks VF. I hope he wins an Oscar for Oppenheimer.
Anyone else a sucker for his romantic comedy lead era in the late '80-early '90s? I watched and rewatched "Only You," "Chances Are," and "Heart and Souls" many times. There's something magnetic about those big, gorgeous eyes and that charming presence!
Another underrated moment of RDJ's career is the music video for Elton John's song "I Want Love" in 2001. In interviews, it's often cited as the start to his second act in his career, after challenges he faced in his private life.
Amazing actor. Thanks for this video. 👍
Yes!!
Heart and Souls is definitely one of my favorites, but I think Only You is my first RDJ film. I was young and remember getting mad at the female lead for being mean to him. LOL. I was like, "How can you be confused???!!!!"
@@andreamiller3578 haha, totally! And that movie is so quotable, too.
The thunderous applause when his signature and silhouette came on the screen after Endgame as the music swelled. Goosebumps. Living legend
Definitely cried.
😢cried at endgame
When I saw it in theater, there was applause for each Avenger and it got louder and louder as each one showed on the screen, it's truly a time that you can't forget
My wife cries EVERY TIME. It’s absolutely incredible.
Me too 😢
Everyone should go see “The Judge” if they haven’t. Master piece of a film, a film that integrates a law scenario, father and son estrangement while learning how to reconnect at the end, self reflection of one’s own flaws, and just slice of life moments all in film. It was beautiful.
I know that movie... It is great! 😁👍👍👍
Robert Duvall ❤️❤️
Yessir
The one where he makes out with his niece and it’s never addressed??
@@tallythefoxeshol up
A little bummed they didnt talk about Tropic Thunder, but i think i know why 😅😅😅
The wokeness has ruined the world. No one can take a joke these days. Tropic Thunder was amazing.
The idea that wokeness is ruining the world and we have people pushing their politics of targeting their outgroups behind agenda comedy and winning stupid prizes playing stupid Storm The Capitol games while thinking wealthy plutocrats are looking out for average Americans and whining about Latin elves is proof positive we actually do live in an utter idiocratic clown world lulz
@@karan_for_youTropic Thunder is a modern classic.
Why?? Someone mentioned they didn't cover Sherlock Holmes... so why?
@@karan_for_you what woke up?
Out of all RDJ movies I feel like the judge is one of his best.
It is one of the best.
Zodiac in my opinion is one of his best films, It felt surreal and intense
Love zodiac!!!
That movie is so underrated for some reason. Its a masterpiece
It's one of the finest films ever made.
Agree
Not many people have basements in California.
RDJ FINALLY DID THIS!!!! THANK YOUUU 🙏🙏🙏 He’s had such a fascinating career
so, u say, i will keep living with mom and sis at my 39 too?
He really didnt
@@ClassicTorhe did
@@ClassicTorwo wo wo haters this is not your place 😂
@@GOD_OF_STORIES07 since when is having an opinion hating?
One of - if not - the greatest comeback stories of any actor in my generation.
I love his perspective. I could listen to him break down each of his movies more thoroughly. He seems like he's kind of holding back because he's so passionate about all of it.
Chaplin, Zodiac, Oppenheimer. The Perfect Trifecta of RDJs career.
Sherlock Holmes?!!!!
Tropic thunder?
True fans say
Tony Stark, Sherlock Holmes, Lewis Strauss and Charlie
I mean all characters are great
@@GOD_OF_STORIES07don’t you disrespect the great Captain Kirk Lazarus.
RDJ has that rare quality of being effortlessly charming which sometimes evolves into being enchanting. You just wanna know what he has to say about this and that, and, boy, does he have something to say 🙌
I just hope that he will receive a lifetime achievement award someday, because he truly deserves it.
I'd love to see Robert win his well deserved Oscar for Oppenheimer. He was phenomenal in every scene he was in. One of the greats of our time 🙌
The Judge is so underrated. Its a great movie with 2 amazing actors giving their A game, sad it didn't get the recognition it deserved.
Eh, it was fine if you could get over the romance subplot RDJ's character has with his niece. Legitimately, did we need to see RDJ make out with his niece while his brother (Robert Duvall's character) watches? Just... ew lol.
I loved it. Having my grandpa going through the same kind of thing at the time really endeared it to me.
One of his brilliant performance no doubt.
Hopefully, Robert Downey Jr. will get a nomination for Supporting Actor at the Oscars next year. he might win one if Dune Part Two is delayed. Dune Part Two has some great actors in it like Austin Butler, Stellan Skarsgard, and Christopher Walken. It definitely has some tough competition.
He overdue for one
No
He obv going to be nominated atleast
He needs to win one and Nolan one too , they both are long overdue
You know that big studio movies aren’t necessarily the biggest favorites at the Oscars? I highly doubt the biggest competition is Dune 2
I believe Oppenheimer is going to be Robert Downey, Jr.‘s best supporting actor win
2:17 the accent change is amazing
RDJ didn't just play Tony Stark. He is Tony Stark. Stan Lee said he was born under a lucky star the moment they met.
He is so articulate,well spoken,his words radiates deep knowledge for cinema and yet despite his great experience he's full of enthusiasm and love for his craft❤
Also he is so endearing and down to earth,such an exceptional actor❤
Huge respect for Robert Downey Jr!!!!!!
You really possess none of the above if you think he's all that.
@@michaela7100and you clearly don’t possess even the slightest hint of intelligence if you think he ain’t all that
@@michaela7100stop making fake accounts and replying under every praise tweet Iewser 😂
Oh my gawd shut upppppppp
@@lindajacobs3006says the “lewser” themselves
I have never heard anyone in film talk so intelligently about his life and profession.
It's crazy I've been watching RDJ my entire life since he was a teenager! And now here he is nearly 60 and still one of my favorite actors!
i'm so glad he spoke about chaplin. it's one of my faves and love how rdj speaks highly of it and attenborough
He's so well-spoken, I could listen to him talk about each film for at least an hour
I think that Robert Downey Jr. mogged everyone on Oppenheimer. His acting was outstanding!
I would say he was the best supporting role yes I couldn't take my eyes off whenever Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr were on screen I hope both win Oscars for Oppenheimer
That's probably the best English accent by an American I have ever heard 5:32
Cillian Murphy - Best Actor
RDJ - Best Supporting actor
Calling it now.
i hope this proves true !!
No way you guys skipped Sherlock Holmes and Tropic thunder 😭😭😭
05:27 I was unaware RDJ was such an amazing impersonator, but his take on Sir Richard Attenborough is ASTONISHING!!
I saw RDJ first on Weird Science (1985) and then Chaplin (1992).
How Downey imitates Richard attenborough had me stunned.
He was Chaplin, he should have one the Oscar.
I remember seeing the judge it was outstanding and really gave me perspective on RDJ for his acting range.
Yes well said, you get to see how amazing his acting skills are.
Wish they would've talked about Heart and Souls. Probably my favorite pre-2000 role of his. Loved that movie.
It was a great film! Underrated for sure
I know they can't cover all his movies, but I think they missed a trick leaving out Tropic Thunder. Here, unlike his Chaplin, this is pure character developed acting of a great comedic role ( as opposed to being a mimic ). Great comic chops.
Loved him in that movie, nowadays they’re probably avoiding it just because anything and everything is controversial
@@jacobimacbroom Yes, I agree.
also Sherlock Holmes
Agreed, he was nominated for Oscar in that role, wish he could talk more about it.
He talks about it in depth on Joe Rogan, very interesting to listen to.
I always enjoy RDJ’s interviews. Very articulate and well spoken!
less than zero has always been one of my favorites such an overlooked hidden gem
skipping sherlock holmes is a crime
Robert Downey should winning the Oscar for supporting actor in Oppenheimer, he was amazing.
His life has to be the biggest roller coaster for any actor i can think if
This might be something that many might disagree with, but HE is actually the one who brought with his unique acting Marvel movies to where they are now, always a remarkable actor and such a special personality, i always have and i always will like Robert Downey Jr. as i grew up with his movies. In my heart he is one of the great actors of my generation.
The Judge was such an underrated movie.
He was absolutely brilliant in Oppenheimer, I'm glad he's out of Ironman shadow. He will definitely get an Oscar nomination
Tropic thunder was his best acting by a country mile!
Can’t believe it didn’t get covered in this video. One of if not my favorite comedy of all time.
@@TheAfricanGrey i wish this video was longer
Yes, his acting was streets ahead, if you don't understand it you streets behind
@@TheAfricanGrey its not PC for today standards, that's why it was avoided
@@Reitaliation politically correct = objectively incorrect
The level of detail he goes into when he's speaking is phenomenal.
Robert Downey Jr was absolutely riveting in Oppenheimer. You couldn't take your eyes off him whenever he was on screen.
Sr was really touching, It was a beautiful tribute to his dad, It really felt special
I looove that they talked about The Judge. I f-ing love that movie. The kitchen discussion in the middle of a tornado is one of my favorite scenes of all movies.
He’s one of those that look better older than younger.
He’s absolutely going to get best supporting role nominee for this Oscar, probably is the winner
Broke my heart when they just skipped over Sherlock. I am elated he discussed KKBB. Wonderful film.
Watched oppenheimer already. I can safely say RDJ gave an academy award performance
Bro where tf is Sherlock.
that Attenborough impression is spot on
This video is so wow (I don’t know how to express the feeling) for someone who’s been a fan of him for 13 years… it’s like a gift
So happy to see him do a serious role. So much talent has been locked in one character
He's done them before, this isn't his first one
Oh kid he has done many before
@@GOD_OF_STORIES07 not at this caliber
@@Tmfade9690 see zodiac first'
@@ninjanibba4259Not really. Sherlock holmes doesnt count.
It's inevitable that there's going to be a biography of his life and I hope I live long enough to see it.
RDJ played an excellent villain in Oppenheimer. It was calculated and subtlety intelligent role. He's one of the great ones of his generation indeed.
No mention of natural born killers or Tropic Thunder, which he was outstanding in too. What a career he’s had
love that we’re getting recent RDJ interviews
He was brilliant in Chaplin. I was so smitten with RDJ by the end of it.
Such an intelligent and introspective discussion by RDJ at the end on how he perceives and questions his role as Strauss in Oppenheimer.
I’m so happy Robert got through his drug years !!
He is an incredible actor!!!!
He speaks so insightfully. I could listen to a two hour version of this.
The Judge is a massively underrated movie. It's one of my favourites and I have an extensive favourites list.
Underrated for his great acting, but Oppenheimer brought out the best in him. And I’m glad you got that opportunity.
RDJ is so clearly such an intelligent person. He speaks so eloquently
Very nice interview. I love the way Robert memorizes certain periods of his life through films and how he has this way of describing the time spent during filming. Storyteller at heart
It's amazing how this guy can make you love him just by his character. Talk about charisma
this is very beautiful - he knows that he has come full circle to power and wisdom, without loss of energy and delight
That attenborough impression was amazing
unbelievable how he reminds too much Tony but at the same time is a so down to earth person and an extremely versatile actor... amazing!
Round of Applause for RDJ! Truly a great actor
he's so adorable and talented 🥺