Ben Stiller is ‘proud’ of Tropic Thunder – despite blackface controversy

One of the comedies that drew the most attention of the 2000s, tropical Thunder (2008) was the subject of several controversies due to the blackface of the character Kirk Lazarusplayed by Robert Downey Jr. Although, Ben Stiller (Tugg Speedman) revealed how “proud” he is of the film, which he directed.

It is worth remembering how, in the satirical action film, Kirk Lazarus is an Australian method actor who undergoes “pigmentation change” surgery to darken his skin in order to play a black character in a war film. downey jr. was nominated to Oscar 2009 in Best Supporting Actor (lost to Heath Ledgerin Batman the dark knight).

besides the blackface, tropical Thunder it was also criticized for its depiction of disabled characters. In the plot, Tugg Speedman plays a character named Simple Jack in a movie, which was supposed to be a satire of actors seeking acclaim by playing handicapped roles.

On the social networks, Ben Stiller replied a fan, who asked the actor to “stop apologizing” for the film. tropical Thunder. I don’t know who told you that,” he wrote on Twitter. “It’s always been a controversial movie since we released it. Proud of it and the work everyone has done on it.”

I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Don’t know who told you that. It’s always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it. 🙏✊😊

— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023

What Robert Downey Jr. talk about tropical Thunder?

During an interview at The Joe Rogan Experience in 2020, Robert Downey Jr. was asked if tropical Thunder would be done today – and all the controversy behind the blackface. “[Ben Stiller] knew exactly what the vision was for it, he executed it, it was impossible not to be an offensive nightmare of a movie,” he said.

“And 90% percent of my black friends were like, ‘Man, that was great.’ I can’t disagree [dos outros 10%]but I know where my heart is,” continued the actor. “I guess it’s never an excuse to do something that’s out of place and out of time, but for me it just blew [o problema].”

I think having a moral psychology is the first job. Sometimes you just need to say, ‘Yeah, I’ve cooled down.’ In my defense, tropical Thunder it’s about how wrong [blackface] yeah, so I make an exception.