If the general public has for some time identified Robert Downey Jr., the indestructible Iron Man in the MCU, who clearly cannot be reduced to 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 starring an African-American (Arnold Johnson) as an advertising agency executive. In 2016, the film had the honor of being included in the prestigious film catalog of the Library of Congress.
From FedEx, Los Angeles to William Friedkin, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights and Magnolia, including his most recent 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. 85, greeting a “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.
Robert Downey Sr., directed by Chris Smith (US film), shot and produced with Robert Downey Jr., would not be complete without the excellent documentary coming out on Netflix in late 2022.
Who came up with the idea for this documentary in 2019 when his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But as Chris Smith recalls, 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 famous Telluride Festival in September 2022, it was also 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.
