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Can you guess who this is?

I smell some warrantless controversy brewing. by Kid Idioteque	Mar 5th, 2008 06:41:33 PM
Downey rocks the bitches and leaves em in stitches.
no shit by Mort Meyers	Mar 5th, 2008 06:41:51 PM

first by rodcone	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:10 PM

Hahah... by THT3000	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:16 PM
I'm seeing this one... :'D
And that's Jack Black in the rear, by Kid Idioteque	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:19 PM
for anyone who doesn't know. That sounded slightly dirty.
ha by Toe Jam	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:20 PM
wow, that's awesome if it's really downey jr.
damn by rodcone	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:48 PM

damn by rodcone	Mar 5th, 2008 06:42:50 PM

Soul Man II by rollnstns	Mar 5th, 2008 06:44:06 PM
Saigon Boogaloo!!!
Is this a CW movie? by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 06:44:31 PM
Sounds like something I saw in the 80's.
controversy? by Quint	Mar 5th, 2008 06:44:35 PM
I think you're right there'll be some hubbub about this, but why would it be okay for Eddie Murphy to play Asian and White people, but not Downey to play a black character? How is this any more offensive? I know it's not always balanced, but it's a worthless argument.
No, I totally agree with you Quint. by Kid Idioteque	Mar 5th, 2008 06:46:38 PM
I'm just saying, some people are not going to like this. People like Spike Lee. But, really. The Eddie Murphy defense is probably a bad one. Because many have argued that Norbit was offensive. I never saw it and never will.
What could possibly be controversial about... by JackieJokeman	Mar 5th, 2008 06:47:00 PM
a white guy appearing in a film in blackface?
Starring Al Jolson by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 06:47:43 PM
And Sam Malone in black face
LMAO! This will be either comic brilliance or re-shot when riots by Mike_D	Mar 5th, 2008 06:47:53 PM
I'm seeing this.
Quint by rollnstns	Mar 5th, 2008 06:48:16 PM
I hope there is no controversy, it sounds like it's about a character, that is a white guy playing a black guy. Maybe they will build the controversy into the movie.
He kinda looks like Don Cheadle. by otm shank	Mar 5th, 2008 06:48:48 PM
This could be funny.
It's the Soul Man Remake by Rue The Day	Mar 5th, 2008 06:49:52 PM
Robert D'Junoir is the new C Thomas Howellllll
Had zero interest in this, fucking hate Ben Stiller... by caruso_stalker217	Mar 5th, 2008 06:49:58 PM
...but I might have to check this shit out.
People will LOVE Downey Jr. after this... by cornponious	Mar 5th, 2008 06:50:03 PM
This looks much better than Cats.
He looks more like Don Cheadle by Kid Idioteque	Mar 5th, 2008 06:50:31 PM
than Don Cheadle does.
Black people in white face doesn't have the same by I Dunno	Mar 5th, 2008 06:51:29 PM
history of racism behind it, duh. Not that I care, I love racial humor.
I thought Don Cheadle also by skimn	Mar 5th, 2008 06:53:34 PM
but look at the eyes...damn good makeup when its not latex heavy and you still couldn't tell it was Downey.
No way by kyle051554	Mar 5th, 2008 06:54:53 PM
That's some impressive makeup. We've certainly come a long way from blackface. I _am_ annoyed that there is (undoubtedly) going to be controversy over this. Racism against whites by black people is somehow tolerated because of some massive guilt trip over actions (read: slavery) that none of us had anything to do with. It's bullshit.
Did you guys forget they did the same thing in an 80s chick flic by Mike_D	Mar 5th, 2008 06:56:31 PM
That guy from "Weekend at Bernie's" (I think) did this in a movie where he painted his face like a black guy and fell in love with a black chick.
Downey doesn't sound black though. by Premiere Warlord Bush	Mar 5th, 2008 06:57:29 PM
What're they going to do about the voice? Why didn't they just get a black guy?
If there is ACTUALLY controversy by Digby_Higgins	Mar 5th, 2008 06:57:35 PM
then that just proves that people everywhere are pussies these days. See if the people of (pick a country, any country) Africa are offended by something like this--or do they have REAL problems to contend with?
What happened to the headline? by Kurutteru Yatsu	Mar 5th, 2008 06:58:28 PM
Where'd the "Aw hell yeah..." that was there thirty seconds ago suddenly disappear to? Surely no one was afraid that was going to seem racist?
I'm seeing this by moondoggy2u	Mar 5th, 2008 06:58:33 PM
But first I have to go buy some fitted sheets.
Could also be a shot from Jericho's Third season by modlight	Mar 5th, 2008 07:02:26 PM
Kansas Jungle
Holy shit by Bobo_Vision	Mar 5th, 2008 07:03:20 PM
Had the IronMan clue not been given, I would have had no idea who that was. Thats some great make-up. As for any hubbub about controversy, I agree its too early to say without seeing the portrayal, but based purely on the photo, there's nothing offensive about it since he legitimately looks like a black person, rather than a stereotype of a black person, hence there's nothing offensive about it. But as necgray said, if he uses typical black stereotype traits in the movie, that will be different.
I'm black by irrelevntelefant	Mar 5th, 2008 07:03:51 PM
from the waist down.
I thought it was oh crap I can't remember his name by chrth	Mar 5th, 2008 07:04:56 PM
You know: he played Pig Vomit, was in Sideways and Paycheck and Lady in the Water. I apologize in advance to the actor ... wait, it's Paul Giamatti. Yeah. that's who I thought it was at first.
my blackness is not a controversy... by irrelevntelefant	Mar 5th, 2008 07:05:45 PM
i mean , uh .... my blackedneyness aint no controversial, bitches
He's so black he's white! by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 07:08:43 PM
Like Prince.
Mike_D by mr.brownstone	Mar 5th, 2008 07:10:22 PM
That was SOUL MAN with C. Thomas Howell. The guys in WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S were Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy.
That looks cool! by raw_bean	Mar 5th, 2008 07:10:28 PM
Would never have guessed, but once you know you can sort of see it in the eyes. Ben Stiller, blacked-up Robert Downey Jr and Jack Black playing actors in a Vietnam film. I'm there!
Tiger? by spiderinside	Mar 5th, 2008 07:10:51 PM
Look closely he looks even more like Tiger Woods than he looks like Don Cheadle. All he needs is a Nike hat and a goofy nerdboy voice. And a hot wife. Damn you, Tiger!!!
Ben Stiller's doing a Lost Spoof? by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 07:11:27 PM
Is that Michael?
Iron Soul Man... by irrelevntelefant	Mar 5th, 2008 07:15:01 PM

Is that Shaft? by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 07:15:03 PM

BLACK FACE RETURNS! RACISM SURGES! by Err	Mar 5th, 2008 07:16:13 PM

YEAH! WHITEY TOOK EDDIE MURPHY!!! by irrelevntelefant	Mar 5th, 2008 07:17:30 PM

OBAMA WILL ACCUSE CLINTON OF DIRTY TACTICS B/C OF THIS! by Err	Mar 5th, 2008 07:18:36 PM
OBAMA WILL ACCUSE CLINTON OF DIRTY TACTICS B/C OF THIS!
Gary Oldman played a midget before... by DarthBakpao	Mar 5th, 2008 07:18:58 PM
...was that a controversy back then? Midgets are people too and they deserve to be mad
IS THAT OBAMA?! by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 07:19:03 PM
BARACK HITLER HUSSEIN MUSSOLINI CASTRO OBAMA!
i love tim meadows. by crazy4dragons13	Mar 5th, 2008 07:21:58 PM
seriously you didn't even have to give the answer, it looks like downey jr. and jack black looks like phillip seymore hoffman.
IT'S MISTER T! HE'S SO DEDICATED! HE LOST 200 LBS! by Err	Mar 5th, 2008 07:23:52 PM

Grady and Oprah had a love child... by irrelevntelefant	Mar 5th, 2008 07:23:59 PM

Quint, you are using the term "method" erroneously by WWBD	Mar 5th, 2008 07:24:58 PM
The "Method" is an acting technique developed by Lee Strasberg after he had digested the teachings of Stanislavski - incorrectly, as it turns out. It deals with how an actor can go about experiencing the emotions of a character instead of faking them. The main precept was the use of "emotional memory," which was Strasberg's idea of an actor recalling tramautic events from his or her own life that corresponded to what the character is going through. Anyway, my point is that calling an actor "method" is not the same as calling him devoted or serious or anything. It's a very specific technique. Daniel Day-Lewis, for instance, is NOT a method actor.
He looks like Grady from Sanford & Son... by b15fliptop	Mar 5th, 2008 07:25:00 PM
...just sayin'. Finally, a chance for Stiller to play something besides "neurotic, bumbling, no-play with the ladies" guy.
Wow! by SlickyVonBoner	Mar 5th, 2008 07:27:34 PM
I would have never guessed that was Robert Downey Jr. That's good makeup... but will his acting give him away? I thought it was the guy from Jericho. People will really get upset about this? Our whole country needs to take a big chill-pill... or just legalize marijuana
I Can Wait by Aquatarkusman	Mar 5th, 2008 07:28:28 PM
Until Ben Stiller dies and/or stops making movies.
You've got something there, Quint. by TheSeeker7	Mar 5th, 2008 07:29:05 PM
I mean after all, and yes this is a terribly old and cliched argument example, but there still seems to be no good answer for it -- that is, you have how many different awards shows now (& for years) that are centered around only black performers, yet if there was an all-white version, it'd suddenly tornado cats and dogs. Mind you, I'm not saying there should be strictly to "balance it all out", not at all. Hell I think pretty much ANY awards show is unnecessary as it is. And forgive me but the old standby defense of "well ALL the other awards shows already ARE the 'white versions'". Oh please, especially after all these years now, you're just out of touch if you still believe that. But, I'm just saying, it's a valid question ultimately.
YO HOMIES YO! by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 07:29:44 PM
Is this a roast?
The FUCK is Ben Stiller doing in this? by Han Cholo	Mar 5th, 2008 07:35:47 PM
If this is supposed to be a serious film then I don't think having him in this would be appropriate for the tone. It's like having Jack Black in King Kong but worse.
RDJ looks great... by Le Vicious Fishus	Mar 5th, 2008 07:38:39 PM
EXCELLENT makeup. I personally don't think this will be a big deal. If they gave him an enormous 'fro and exaggerated, stereotypical features, it WOULD be a problem. And, no, a black actor in "white face" is not as offensive as a white actor in black face. Ever study American history, Quint? Reverse discrimination is such an ill informed, pussyish, and essentially inane concept...
COMEDY GOLD by THE KNIGHT	Mar 5th, 2008 07:39:20 PM
My ticket is already bought!
Guys, If the movie was really Anti-Black by IForgotAbout19	Mar 5th, 2008 07:47:16 PM
I doubt Jack would even be willing to have anything to do with it.
Its only racist if he is shown to love chicken by moondoggy2u	Mar 5th, 2008 07:48:10 PM

I was gonna say Don Cheadle by Orionsangels	Mar 5th, 2008 07:51:13 PM

This is not nearly as racist as Eddie Murphy's... by rbatty024	Mar 5th, 2008 07:57:58 PM
Asian role in that fat suit movie. They have to be careful but if done correctly, it could work.
OMG! You know what we need next???! by Johnno	Mar 5th, 2008 07:58:26 PM
Tom Hanks as 'The last Nigga on Earth'! Someone make it happen!!
DON CHEADLE. by JMcLovin	Mar 5th, 2008 08:01:03 PM
yeah, I know; been there, done that.
That's awesome. by Bronx Cheer	Mar 5th, 2008 08:05:20 PM
If anyone actually moans about this, I say get the fucking shovel and pound them into paste.
maybe ok by a rolling stone	Mar 5th, 2008 08:06:22 PM
I think Rob Shnieder's "Asian minister" in Chuck and Larry will be more offensive than RDJ in this. The pic looks more legit than Ms Doubtfire. And did anyone think the guys in white chicks looked like white chicks? I didn't.
For the record...the movie was SOUL MAN... by Captain Happy	Mar 5th, 2008 08:07:19 PM
starring C. Thomas Howell. & all of you people getting your panties in a bunch out there need to chill out & lighten up; Amadou Diallo, Michael Griffith (Howard Beach) & Yusuf Hawkins are all serious cases of racially-motivated injustice in need of examination...Robert Downey Jr. playing a black man in a movie...not so much. & Quint, are you sure that's not Tim Meadows???
No, it's actually by DarthJedi	Mar 5th, 2008 08:08:27 PM
Gene Simmons in blackface.
Enough Ben Stiller by picardsucks	Mar 5th, 2008 08:08:29 PM
Oh great another film where Ben Stiller gets to try to flex his small (but in his mind Arnold Like) muscles. He always gives me douche chills. I say boycott Ben Stiller. I like his Pappy alot more
That's Funny..... by Zipperhead	Mar 5th, 2008 08:17:34 PM
........I thought it was Tiger Woods
a sequel to White Chicks? by br1947	Mar 5th, 2008 08:18:44 PM
Unless he puts his rifle to the back of Ben Stiller's head and fires point blank, I really have no interest in this. Ben Stiller needs to fucking die; is not, never has been funny.
Holy SHIT! by heyscot	Mar 5th, 2008 08:18:56 PM
WOW! That makeup is AMAZING!
it is damned good makeup tho by br1947	Mar 5th, 2008 08:20:00 PM

Like I said in this other forgotten TB by SpencerTrilby	Mar 5th, 2008 08:25:32 PM
I predict a riot. Seriously, though: the make up seems perfect, not over the top at all. Fucking credible. And the reviews you posted a few days back gave me confidence in that flick, even if Stiller jumped the shark after Zoolander. Directing what sounds like pure comedy gold is something I waited for him to tackle again. Now, like some talkbackers already mentioned, it's not as much the blackface that's a problem as the way Downey plays. His character is supposed to be pretty stupid (I mean, an actor going through pigmentation process to play a black character MUST be stupid; at least Eddie Murphy uses prosthetics) so I guess they'll use some stereotypes to make him even more silly. Maybe changing his voice, or some other racial winks to the audience about fried chicken and watermelon (insert any other cliché HERE)... I hope they won't just rely on the make up, and push the envelope about the stereotypes in a way that makes both Whites and Blacks (sorry, Afro-Americans^^) laugh about the absurd of the situation. I know they'll probably pussy out and tone down this aspect, but I hope the writing is on par with Downey's craziness. Anyone remember Heart and Soul? He was absolutely insane in that flick (and actually "played" Alfre Woodard for a few scenes if I remember well) so I truly hope playing some kind of schizophrenic and highly absurd part will deliver the goods, the way Murphy used to back then in Coming to America (before he jumped the shark himself)... And screw the wet blankets who can't appreciate that kind of humor; go back watching Fool's Gold.
I'm Black and... by Maestro610	Mar 5th, 2008 08:27:45 PM
I am willing to give this flick the benefit of the doubt. I HATE Ben Stiller and I am not a Jack Black fan (don't hate him but he's just not a draw for me) but I absolutely love Robert Downey Jr. I'm going to say that this will probably fall into the "someone will complain but it's probably not going to be as bad as people make it out to be" category. I wouldn't suggest that if this gets by alright that Hollywood should make a habit of it but with great care I think anything can be explored by the movies. I think that's one of the reasons movies exist, to do some things that "can't" or aren't "allowed" to be done. Saying all that if it becomes some kind of excuse to have him drinking grape soda, eat watermelon and fried chicken, I'll be rescinding all of my good will. I hate when these things types of things bring out idiotic statements from people though. This shouldn't be an excuse to throw out the "N"-word or make big lips and white women jokes. I don't blame white people alive now for slavery, or assume they are out to get me, and I've also experienced true racism in my life. (I know the difference between the real thing and the imagined kind.) Assuming there will be a controversy is fair, using that as an excuse to pull out the racist jokes or try to become "serves 'em right reverse racism" martyrs is not fair. Let's be smart enough to discuss this sensibly. So call me cautiously optimistic.
anyone want to see thw new Wanted by ludmir88	Mar 5th, 2008 08:27:50 PM

anyone want to see the new WANTED trailer? by ludmir88	Mar 5th, 2008 08:28:43 PM
where is the talkback for this?--comingsoon.net---
Looking forward to this one! by waites	Mar 5th, 2008 08:32:02 PM
and yeah I recall Hearst and Souls. Downey was genius in it! this will be hysterical. I find myself just thinking about this photo and laughing! it will be huge.. mark my words.
Sad news! by crider	Mar 5th, 2008 08:32:16 PM
I sure Harry's problably typing this up, but just found out Patrick Swayze may have weeks to live, due to Terminal Cancer. sad news indeed.
It Might Help... by DeeJay	Mar 5th, 2008 08:32:57 PM
... if some of the AICN community stopped assuming the reaction from members of another community. This is especially when one considers that most of us know little about the context within which this occurs. For instance, Ted Danson's blackface should've been viewed as problematic well in advance... whereas James Whitmore in "Black Like Me"-- with an entirely different set of underlying intentions--- was received quite differently. This photo does not yet give a decisive indication as to the context or intent of this character, so any conjecture as to how people would react to it is simply speculation. Admittedly, it's interesting that so many people think this will be great. I wonder if those same individuals had that level of optimism when before viewing "Norbit" or "White Chicks?"
sorry for the first one. too incomplete by ludmir88	Mar 5th, 2008 08:32:59 PM
sorry
White Chicks by TheSeeker7	Mar 5th, 2008 08:37:20 PM
@ a rolling stone -- Please, the Wayans didn't even look like human beings in that god awful excuse for professional Hollywood makeup, much less trying to pass as a couple of caucasians. Yeeesshhk.
Ben Stiller by TheSeeker7	Mar 5th, 2008 08:41:22 PM
I've said this time and time again. Ben Stiller I really find to be a curious case. I don't think I've ever seen someone in modern Hollywood more who for considering the amount of genuine talent he's got, continues to associate himself with the most brainless, head scratchingly inane junk. Seriously, his unique ratio there, kid's got some real chops for comedy deep down, but for the love of god, Ben, have you ever actually READ one of the scrips you signed on for BEFORE shooting of any film of yours the last 8 years or so?!
Deejay by moondoggy2u	Mar 5th, 2008 08:43:22 PM
White Chicks and Norbit were viewed with skepticism and deemed offensive because whites and asians are constantly victimized and baraded in public. Truly, unless you are white or asian, you just cannot understand the fear, anxiety, and shame that we deal with on a near daily basis. If its a black man...well, that is just comedic gold, sir.
Why, sometimes I don't even know how I get out of bed by moondoggy2u	Mar 5th, 2008 08:47:23 PM
What with all the minorities trimming my hedges and chittering in their inane tribal babble. And don't even get me started on my having to settle with a BMW instead of a Jag. It really is hard, you know? Peace
Ben Stiller's last directed movie had blackface too... by pmlinstrot	Mar 5th, 2008 08:53:32 PM
In Zoolander, the last movie Ben Stiller wrote and directed, he and Owen Wilson don black makeup to pretend to be janitors, though their black counterparts are played by different actors.
Seeker & Moondoggy by DeeJay	Mar 5th, 2008 08:53:47 PM
TheSeeker7... when was the last time you visited the mid-western states in the US? All the United States doesn't look like Baywatch, fellow poster. Moondoggy... is that sarcasm? Whatever the case, it would be specious for anyone to disregard the fact that European Americans "made-up" as African Americans tend to be lambasted when they're offensive, and not simply on general principle.
I already bought my two tickets by SpencerTrilby	Mar 5th, 2008 09:03:02 PM
the second one is for Spike Lee.
awww, you noticed, Deej? by moondoggy2u	Mar 5th, 2008 09:05:17 PM
European Americans??? Yeesh. Anyway, there is a reason for such "lambasting," as you put it: its idiotic. As a rule, I usually disdain race jokes and racial humor in general. Yeah, its offensive and all that, but really, its just asenine, easy humor in the guise of witicism, brought to you buy the makers of pee-pee, ka-ka, and poo-poo. You can debate double standards and percieved social injustices till you're blue in the face, but in the end, its much ado about nothing...or very little, anyway.
Based on this photo only... by SpencerTrilby	Mar 5th, 2008 09:07:00 PM
I just wish they had cast RDJ as James Rhodes in Iron Man. As a comedic foil, of course. Ohh, the possibilities...
I think the fact... by GenPion	Mar 5th, 2008 09:12:14 PM
that people are already wondering if there will be some kind of reaction to this movie, some kind of controversy, means that there will be. Just having a discussion on this seems to be an indicator of what is to come. I'll see the movie first. Then I'll decide how I feel about it.
QUINT by panther69	Mar 5th, 2008 09:15:36 PM
You've made an excellent point, my brother. And it is balanced. It's equality.
My God... by PirateEmery	Mar 5th, 2008 09:24:05 PM
...that's hysterical... Sign me up.
Quint is black according of what i read weeks ago by ludmir88	Mar 5th, 2008 09:26:12 PM
?????
You know what... by Tourist	Mar 5th, 2008 09:31:04 PM
...He fucking does look black. Thats some good work there. This film sounds huge, by the way. Big cast.
Guess who this is... Spoliers? by Scapulawings	Mar 5th, 2008 09:33:16 PM
Way to let us know what the spoilers might be associated with. There's no way to know unless you actually click open the link. At least it's not an actual spoiler. I really have no idea what this is supposed to be spoiling.
New Chapelle Show ? by Queerbait	Mar 5th, 2008 09:42:27 PM
Is this for season 4? Where's Dave?
Wow, we got some retards out tonight... by Tourist	Mar 5th, 2008 09:43:45 PM
...Whats still doing in a serious movie? Are you mong? You have a picture in which includes a douche looking Still, Jack Black and Downey in black face, and you think its a serious drama? Of course Stiller is flexing his muscles like a douche. Thats the point of the character. Jesus, you went to the trouble to create an AICN account, and yet you have no idea what this film is about, despite its numerous stories on this very site. I honestly dont understand where the controversy will be either. Wayans and Murphy have been using make up effects to play other races to comedic mediocrity, but financial success for years now. This is film concernes an Australian actor going so over the top he gets surgery to become black. Thats the joke...
Think we all need to grow some balls by Miyamoto_Musashi	Mar 5th, 2008 09:45:46 PM
Seriously the world has become way too precious. A lot of people have brought up Spike Lee, and yeah that guy makes Bill O'Reilly look balanced. But as others have stated as long as he isnt in jail, eating fried chicken, it surely can't be offensive. But do you think Spike will care if the stereotype shown is a positive one, i.e. he is hung like a donkey.
If he WAS in jail, or eating fried chicken... by Tourist	Mar 5th, 2008 09:49:45 PM
...In a giant, broad, slapstick comedy, where the offensiveness be? Im betting they will play up the offensive angle in the film for laughs anyway. How would this be anymore offensive than the carictures presented by a white director like Craig Brewer? (note, I like the dudes films)
I got it before I read the clue, what do I win? by jimmay	Mar 5th, 2008 09:52:19 PM
Yay me. It's all about the eyes, they give him away in a second.
How is this taboo pushing? by Tourist	Mar 5th, 2008 09:53:01 PM
Its a fucking uber mega budget broad comedy from a huge entertainment conglomerate that will be seen and enjoyed by tens of millions of people, the bulk of which will be lowest common denominator folks of all colours who wont even raise an eyebrow.
I got it from the headline... by Tourist	Mar 5th, 2008 09:54:11 PM
...Since they had a bunch of reviews already talking about how funny Downeys black face routine was.
Incognegro, indeed! by Zardoz	Mar 5th, 2008 10:00:49 PM
Wow. Cool make-up. I'm actually curious about this movie now...
Shit BEN STILLER HAS MUSCLES! by Proman1984	Mar 5th, 2008 10:08:01 PM
For shizzle, bitches!
LA GONNA BURN AGAIN LIKE AFTER RODNEY KING by BringingSexyBack	Mar 5th, 2008 10:11:29 PM
No motherfucka we can't get along!!!
hmmm... by topdolla69	Mar 5th, 2008 10:12:20 PM
well i guess it is hard to find a black guy with unkempt hair, that's impossible to find.
So, is he gonna be War Machine in the sequel? by Cletus Van Damme	Mar 5th, 2008 10:16:26 PM
Dual role! :)
My first thought was.... by TypicalHorror	Mar 5th, 2008 10:25:04 PM
Tiger Woods
IT BE ROBERT DOWNEY JAMAL WARNER!!! by BringingSexyBack	Mar 5th, 2008 10:35:28 PM
Now we GOTTA elect Obama, or there will be the mother of all race riots.
IT'S THE GREEN LANTERN by BringingSexyBack	Mar 5th, 2008 10:40:11 PM
The black green one.
OH SHIT THAT'S MY DOORMAN ... by BringingSexyBack	Mar 5th, 2008 10:43:00 PM
He never said anything about being in a movie.
If there IS controversy... by slappy magoo	Mar 5th, 2008 10:47:57 PM
It'll be completely unfounded. The movie isn't making fun of black people; it's making fun of Method actors who will do anything to "inhabit" the character they're playing. Since the movie is ABOUT the making of the movie, I can imagine controversy about RDJ's character playing a black character as a plot point IN the film. Anyone who'd complain in boring old real life would be someone who hasn't seen the movie, has no intention of seeing the movie, and had an instant uneducated knee-jerk reaction. And we all know how reliable THOSE reactions are.
yeah by ragingdrunklove	Mar 5th, 2008 10:58:16 PM
alot of the comments on race in this talkback really solidify what i've been thinking- mainly 13 year olds post on here. that ridiculous "how come blacks get all these awards shows and stuff celebrating how they're like niggas and shit and we dont get anything?" argument is so retarded. we get something. its called every day society in america where we are on top of the game just because we're white. let them have their awards shows. its the lesat we can do. im talking to you, theseeker7, by the way.
I don't care who you are. by Mr. Nice Gaius	Mar 5th, 2008 11:05:39 PM
That's funny stuff right there.
I thought it was Tim Meadows too... by Pariah74	Mar 5th, 2008 11:14:14 PM
Who knew Tim Meadows looked like Robert D. Jr and vice versa.
nevahagin by Mr. Nice Gaius	Mar 5th, 2008 11:23:22 PM
Stiller is also the director. So, there you go.
Stiller is...Young Rambo by Staldo	Mar 5th, 2008 11:29:32 PM
I always thought Stiller could spoof Stallone effectively. I say he should make like the deleted Nam scenes from First Blood and grow a big ole' porn mustache.
Hmmm by jabbayoda	Mar 5th, 2008 11:34:06 PM
All white guys who put on make up to look like black guys look exactly alike to me.
psst...nevahagin... by offensivename	Mar 5th, 2008 11:34:07 PM
"Penultimate" means second to last. I'm not sure what word you were looking for there, but that's not it.
Did anyone by Series7	Mar 5th, 2008 11:35:48 PM
feel that Hot Rod was a copy/sequel to Zoolander? Very very similar, both funny. I was a bit drunk during Hot Rod but still it was pretty funny, better then anything William Ferrell has put out since Anchor.
this is going to f-ing rule by THE_ONE_MAN_GANG	Mar 5th, 2008 11:42:36 PM

I thought the last dude was Phillip Seymour by GQtaste	Mar 5th, 2008 11:56:10 PM
Hoffman. But this racism thing is bullshit!
I thought it was Hoffman, too by skywalkerfamily	Mar 5th, 2008 11:57:40 PM
He's a darn fine actor.
i thought it looked like by im_cherokee_jack	Mar 5th, 2008 11:58:25 PM
solid snake with don cheadle and phillip seymour hoffman.
Be On the Lookout for Tom Cruise Too by ElectricDreams	Mar 6th, 2008 12:15:38 AM
He's in the film, and him and Katie were at a screening I attended the other nite on the Paramount lot in which Ben got up in front of the crowd and thanks the small group of attendees for coming. The movie is hillarious!!! This is not your typical Ben Stiller comedy...its is a comedy as funny as the good shit they did in the 80's...
Those of you who are whining about reverse racism by s0nicdeathmonkey	Mar 6th, 2008 12:16:43 AM
are idiots with no understanding of what the sociological definition of discrimination is.
I am by no means politically correct... by darthvedder81	Mar 6th, 2008 12:32:47 AM
But Robert Downey in blackface seems like a really awful idea.
That guy made up by Napoleon Park	Mar 6th, 2008 12:35:27 AM
to look like Jerry Stiller's kid is very offensive. I see the Soul Man comparisons already "ben" made. Still, "Oh look, See Thomas Howl. Howl, Thomas, Howl."
Jack Black as Jim Gaffigan? by hamslime	Mar 6th, 2008 12:37:13 AM
I'm not sorry to say that anyone offended by this needs to realize that we are in the year 2008. It's time to get over this racist bullshit. Most black people I know are more annoyed and disturbed by REAL racisim anyway. You know, burning crosses, hangings, thats the type of racisim that needs to be addressed, not a white guy playing a black guy. If that's the biggest racial problem worth discussing then I'd say we as a people are doing pretty good, and it's time to move on. I'd also be willing to bet that the magority of people "offended" by this are white people anyway.
This is going to bomb like Semi pro by AlwaysThere	Mar 6th, 2008 01:19:53 AM
R-rating is going to kil it.
what?? they didnt have any black cats to cast? by y7jver01	Mar 6th, 2008 01:21:55 AM

The socialogical definition of racism... by Toonol	Mar 6th, 2008 01:22:48 AM
What a damn stupid thing. Reverse racism is a ridiculous term, not because it doesn't exist, not because it's ok, but because it should just be called what it is: Racism. The color of the bigot and the color of the subject don't matter. "Socialogical definition of racism." What pretentious crap. Don't wave a ridiculous definition by an group of academics who have a jargon that is so out of touch that it would make just as much sense to ask a Computer Science tech what reverse discrimination means in server/client terms.
Stiller Directing = My Ass In The Theatre by Harry Weinstein	Mar 6th, 2008 01:59:47 AM
As a director he's both blessed with impressive skills and cursed with horrid luck as far as his films getting their releases fucked up by meddling studios (CABLE GUY) and/or international terrorist attacks (ZOOLANDER) goes. This Downey "Controversy" is a bunch of rah rah bullshit. Downey isn't playing a black guy, he's playing a white guy who's playing a black guy in the fictional film-within-the-film. The insult lies in assuming black audiences can't tell the difference.
I'm Black and think that's one hell of a makeup job! by TheGhostWhoLurks	Mar 6th, 2008 02:07:46 AM
Soul Man, on the other hand, was simply an insult. No black person would EVER be fooled by C. Thomas Howell's shoe polish job... we'd have taken turns beating him and then wiping that crap off his face with a Brillo pad for trying to steal a scholarship from us!!! And yes, I'm still bitter. I'm BLACK! >:(
"So, is he gonna be War Machine in the sequel?" by Mike_D	Mar 6th, 2008 02:30:51 AM
LMAO!!!! Holy fuck...I laughed.
Cuba Gooding Jr? by Orionsangels	Mar 6th, 2008 03:07:49 AM

Someone said it earlier by SpencerTrilby	Mar 6th, 2008 03:27:13 AM
the people who'll whine and bitch the most are white people. You can throw in the usual bigot and/or humor deprived black "leader" (many of which are leader of none except their own agenda) but mostly in that kind of shit the guilt-ridden, attention whores white morons will try to steal the show, proving how "open-minded" they are by displaying the range of their "tolerance". It worked with Borat. It worked with The Passion of the Christ. You can't tell me there won't be a controversy. There WILL. It's the US of A, or rather the pussified version of its former self. It's sad but true.
RDJ is going to be this summer's MVP by dr_buggerlugs	Mar 6th, 2008 03:49:07 AM
Iron Man looks great and will probably be a great big stonkin' hit and this picture of Downey Jr alone is going to get my ass in the theatre. Honestly I think he's got a good shot at hitting Depp levels of popularity if both of these films turn out to be as groovy as they promise.
Undercover Brother by Pipple	Mar 6th, 2008 04:14:49 AM
He probably had to stop eating Mayo for the roll...
This movie won't get vilified at ALL. by polyh3dron	Mar 6th, 2008 04:27:48 AM
wow. fucking blackface.
Murphy was up for an Oscar for Norbit now? by Tourist	Mar 6th, 2008 04:36:26 AM
It is okay for white to play asians, or blacks, or fucking aliens or poor people or whatever. its called acting. In fact, its often more impressive when they do. Felicity Huffman played a man, Travolta played a woman. Thats even more of a stretch. People were probally upset that Murphy played his characters as broad stereotypes where the humour came from laughing at the perceived failings of a race.
Jack Black, Ice-T and Coco : The Connection by livingwater	Mar 6th, 2008 06:48:25 AM
http://tinyurl.com/2bswfv
WHY DID THEY HAVE TO MAKE HIM LOOK ANGRY? by BringingSexyBack	Mar 6th, 2008 06:59:12 AM
White people gonna die when this movie comes out. I'm staying home until the storm's over.
Comedy works when it's uncomfortable by snappy	Mar 6th, 2008 07:02:53 AM
Away from the sanitised movie world, people laugh at all kinds of warped shit - sick, racist, whatever. The point everyone seems to miss is why, for the film within the film, they cast a white guy to play black. This is not Downey Jr. stealing a black actor's job, it's his character doing it. The opportunity exists for the inside film's casting director to be a racist shitbag who refuses to work with real black actors so casts RDJ and forces him to undergo surgery to black up. Despite what the controversialists will say, this is not a return to "blackface" in the Hollywood mainstream.
IT'S SABRINA LABEOUF!!!! by BringingSexyBack	Mar 6th, 2008 07:16:46 AM
Shia's twin transgender brother in blackface!
okay by ironic_name	Mar 6th, 2008 07:17:02 AM
now I'll see this.
Pretty funny script by Frodo2000	Mar 6th, 2008 07:25:55 AM
Read the script and this is pretty funny and ridiculous! Jack Black and Robert Downey's characters are really silly (I auditioned for Black's and at the time they told me to "be more like Jack Black" and then they just hired Jack Black)
While we're on this topic... by ianlegend	Mar 6th, 2008 07:48:17 AM
...I think Blazing Saddles is hysterical and I nearly shat when I watched the South Park wheel of fortune ep. Does that make me a racist? Cos I just don't know anymore. This issue isn't so black and white after all.
So, Ben Stiller wrote this script over a period of 20 years ??!? by livingwater	Mar 6th, 2008 08:30:29 AM
!?! WTF !!!!
GTFO... by C00L DUD3	Mar 6th, 2008 08:36:21 AM
That is fucking, HIL-arious...RDJ is, like everywhere, now-a-days, huh? Definitely gonna check this one out, now...
Tiger Tiger Woods, y'all! 4 Iron Man! by Damonster	Mar 6th, 2008 08:36:48 AM
Can't believe everyone thinks he looks like Don Cheadle when he looks more like the swinger of magic four irons. yeah, i thought briefly about that one.
You know..... by Lazenby1969	Mar 6th, 2008 09:23:37 AM
No kiddin- when I look at this photo...with the hair and beard...I see... The black Gi Joe 12 inch figure from the 60's/70's!!! Google an image of that figure and deny it!! Go Joe!
SNL by bobinnova	Mar 6th, 2008 09:23:45 AM
That would be Fred Armisen, a very white actor, playing Obama these days on SNL. There's already a stink about that with the black community. If they have Tom Cruise playing a Viet Cong soldier, this movie will be as popular as "Song of the South".
leobloom by hamslime	Mar 6th, 2008 09:57:13 AM
I don't suppose lyncing often happens nowadays, but that's kind of my point. Lynching, The KKK, slavery, segregation were things to be dealt with; not a white guy playing a black guy. When you stand that side by side with real and dangerous acts of racisim it seems silly to bum out about white guy playing black guy. It's harmless. On the other hand Al Sharpton does need something to bitch about, I haven't seen him on the T.V. lately.
OH DEM GOLDEN SLIPPERS by ArcadianDS	Mar 6th, 2008 10:14:02 AM
I think I saw this in a movie already - some unknown movie about a clan of Irish who find a leprechaun and he turns the bigoted white mayor into a black guy. you probably never heard of it.
I'll wait for DVD by Sithdan	Mar 6th, 2008 10:27:07 AM
I don't consider this a must-see.
The Movie is not even out yet... by Alkeoholic77	Mar 6th, 2008 10:34:17 AM
So let's save the controversey talk till we see how it's portrayed. I don't think that they are planning on having a script straight from a minstrel show or anything. Besides as an Asian person I was pretty offended by Eddie Murphy in Norbitt...
My God! I Thought Someone Brought Cleavon Little Back to Life!! by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 10:35:47 AM
I was trying to figure out who it could be and my first thought was Cleavon Little (from Blazing Saddles). My second thought was, no, he is dead. Robert Downey, Jr. has always appeared to be a tragically, gifted actor, but damn, this is just insanely brilliant. Very much like Linda Hunt or Debra Winger playing men. I have to see this film.
Lang, you're right it looks like Sheriff Bart by Grammaton Cleric Binks	Mar 6th, 2008 11:55:40 AM
Where did Stiller get those guns? I think he just never lost his Dodgeball arms because daaaaaamn. As far as this being racist, which it isn't, don't forget the Eddie Murphy skit from SNL. If it's racist for Downey, then Murphy too was a racist.
When Paul McCartney or Ellen Page by 300 monkeys	Mar 6th, 2008 12:19:26 PM
do that "look up and show some white under the pupils of your eyes" thing people thinks it makes them "cuter." On RDJ in black face it makes him "look angry"? Sorry, I'm just not getting that at all. He lookslike a guy walking across a field to me.
Quint misses the point - AS USUAL! by Steve Trevor	Mar 6th, 2008 01:00:33 PM
I don't think your argument works. First, there is something called history. Second, I think Eddie Murphy's portayals are pretty offensive. Third, the one thing that you do NOT mention that makes the portrayal acceptable is that he is portraying a character who decides to go in black face - so the portrayal has a hint of irony and self-awareness - he is NOT just portraying a character straight away like Eddie Murphy. Rather this is A CHARACTER PLAYING A CHARACTER. So, I think it's fine and kind of interesting.
RDJ is fine by me by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 01:24:37 PM
It has taken a long time for a white actor to get fully in touch with his inner black man, but between the drug busts, being pulled over by LAPD and jail time, RDJ might be the man to do it.
Thought it was Cleavon Little, too! by groliver1	Mar 6th, 2008 01:39:46 PM
I forgot for a minute that he was dead...I gotta go watch "Fletch Lives" and "Blazing Saddles" again... I miss Calculus Entropy and good ol' Bart.
What racist bullshit. by Billy Batts	Mar 6th, 2008 02:45:53 PM
I'm boycotting this movie. I'm going to stay home and watch White Chicks instead.
The most offensive thing so far... by amit1969	Mar 6th, 2008 02:48:38 PM
...is that anyone mistook that picture for Don Cheadle or Cleavon Little! What does THAT say???
Hey, I agree on Don Cheadle... by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 03:00:17 PM
But damn, I still stand by the Cleavon Little. I even went back and looked at photos of Mr. Little and tried to figure out where differences were. If he were alive today, he could easily look like Mr. Downey, same hairlines, same forehead, similar coloring and highlights. If you gave Mr. Downey Mr. Little's last driver's license, I bet he could use the I.D. without anyone thinking twice.
Is this the live action Amos and Andy flick? by crackerfarmboy	Mar 6th, 2008 03:32:38 PM
Or is it the biopic of the Ted Dansen and Whoopi Goldberg relationship?
....cocksmoker....... by redhankyspanky	Mar 6th, 2008 03:47:07 PM
"bringsexyback" said: "Now we GOTTA elect Obama, or there will be the mother of all race riots." You are such a fag. Go smoke Obamas pole on your own time.......
Did anybody else happen to notice... by Mr. Nice Gaius	Mar 6th, 2008 03:57:36 PM
...that RDJ is holding a pump action shotgun in one hand and a pistol in the other? Do you see where I'm going with this? Heh.
Okay those last four comments... by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 03:59:06 PM
Who has been coating people's keyboards with LSD? C'mon, fess up! Otherwise I am recommending mandatory drug testing as a requirement for posting here.
Lang The Cat by Mr. Nice Gaius	Mar 6th, 2008 04:06:06 PM
This is AICN Talkback. LSD would probably only level out some of the insanity put forth here.
Sadly, true by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 04:50:03 PM
I just thought we were discussing actors and movies. Somehow white supremacy and politics popped up with a totally unnecessary (but completely relevant) Owen Wilson comment and I was transported to a wild Philip K. Dick drug flashback involving phocomelae bouncing hither and thither with Boschian demons sipping Snapple and eating soy energy bars in preparation for the seagull orgy waiting to start.
Stop the "African American" shit!!! by pdennett316	Mar 6th, 2008 05:16:36 PM
What about the West Indies and Jamaica?? Black people are descended from other places than Africa you know. Only in America could such a sweeping generalization be made in the name of political correctness. Aboriginees from Australia would be pretty pissed if they visited the States and were called African-Americans.
African American by Lang The Cat	Mar 6th, 2008 05:32:01 PM
I have always preferred Lustrous Ebony or Tawny Teak, depending on who I talk to. Though I do try to refer to people by their names, labels get so repetitive and limit my thinking.
People are offended by SuckLeTrou	Mar 6th, 2008 09:52:43 PM
by jokes like this and Family Guy because however good the intentions are, they are designed to flatter the vanity and the "I get it, it's wrong" 'compassion' of the straight white male 18-35 demographic that almost all american media is designed for. Not saying it's right or wrong, just saying it does not account for the concept of white privilege, and by default tells large segments of the world population that "this was not made for you". And it wasn't made for them, most things aren't. They are designed to flatter that demographic in one way or another. So why should anyone else like them or be enthusiastic about them? That's one of the reasons people get irritated by jokes like this no matter how well-meaning they are. They are being left out of the conversation about themselves.
Not Godfrey Cambridge in ... by Boris Baddenov	Mar 7th, 2008 04:43:20 AM
WATERMELON MAN? Cambridge's Caucasian makeup was unconvincing -- he was so heavily paint-rolled with WASPish foundation that it made his face look like a department-store mannequin come to life! And the sandy-brown wig to cover his natural 'fro merely added to the phoniness. BUT, I enjoyed the movie!
If anybody was going to do this AND IT NOT be offensive... by Napolean Solo	Mar 7th, 2008 07:08:22 AM
It's Robert Downey Jr. There's not the same history of racism with black people playing white people. That's why 'it's okay'. An above poster said Spike Lee will take offense. I disagree. I think it depends on the context it's played in. Black people (including Spike Lee) are not as overly sensitive as you may think. Spike doesn't just pick on people for no reason... When you hear him out, there's always a justified explanation. No one complained about the black face joke in ZOOLANDER. Nor the hilarious scene in BE KIND REWIND when Jack Black (in an unwitting Black face) said; "That would be racist". People's memories are very fickle... black people didn't even complain when Driving Miss Daisy came out. Quite frankly, some of the things we let slide are outrageous. So again... I think it all depends on the context. I for one, will be seeing this the day it comes out. I bet it's hilarious.

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