If the general public has for some time identified Robert Downey Jr., the indestructible Iron Man in the MCU, who is clearly incapable of relegating this role, however, very few people know his father, Robert Downey Jr.
Actor, screenwriter, and producer Robert Downey Sr. has lived several lives: enlisted in the military, baseball player, and even a boxing champion. He got his start in underground cinema in 1969 by writing and directing Putney Swope, a scathing satire on the world of advertising in which an African-American (Arnold Johnson) plays an advertising agency executive. In 2016, the film had the honor of being included in the prestigious film catalog of the Library of Congress.
William Friedkin’s FBI, Los Angeles, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights and Magnolia, including his last production Hot Day in LA, starring Sean Penn, Alice Milano, Malcolm McDowell and Robert Downey Jr., Downey Sr. has had an atypical and unique career. Pagans. , who was honored by his son in 2021 when he died aged 85, hailed “A true non-conformist filmmaker”. It is not always easy to grow up in a family of artists in the shadow of elders, whose figure can be overwhelming, and succeed in establishing yourself. What Robert Downey Jr. was able to do brilliantly.
A great tribute to a father figure that wouldn’t be complete without a fantastic documentary coming out on Netflix in late 2022, Robert Downey Sr., directed by documentary filmmaker Chris Smith (US film), shot and produced with the help of Robert Downey Jr. Jr., the film paints a moving portrait of the rebellious artist steeped in Counter-Culture, offering an intimate—and ultimately rare—look with his son Downey Jr.
Who came up with the idea for this documentary in 2019 when his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But as Chris Smith recalled quoting Downey Jr., “There was no talk of painting an idyllic portrait of our relationship, because everything was not rosy”.
Screened at numerous festivals, including the prestigious Telluride Festival in September 2022, it was awarded Best Documentary by the National Board of Review. A real and beautiful find.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
