Robert Downey JR

Let's talk about the man of many talents...

vBorn April 4th 1965 in Manhattan, New York.

vHad his breakthrough in 1985 with the film ‘Tuff Turf’ and then a bully in John Hughe’s ‘Weird Science’.

vHis first lead role was ‘The Pick-up Artist’.

vHe was cast in a number of leading and supporting roles, including well-received work in a number of semi-independent films: ‘A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints’, ‘Good Night’, ‘Good Luck’, and ‘A Scanner Darkly’  until in 2008 Downey starred in his first two blockbuster films, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’.

vOne of Downey’s key characteristics as an actor is his ability to deliver dry/sarcastic humorous lines whilst keeping a straight face. He does this in many films such as ‘Due Date’, ‘Iron Man’, ‘The Shaggy Dog’, and ‘Sherlock Holmes’ to name a few. This is one thing that leads directors to casting him in films,  which usually lead to huge success of the film.

     Here's and example:

 

 

Downey has demonstrated his ability to show emotion in many of his films. Although many other actors can show emotion, Downey can do it in a way that can also effect the people watching him.

Example:

 

Downey is known for his ability to perfom in many high action roles. Some of the things he is well known for in this aspect is:

vDoes his own stunts

vDowney is known for performing his own stunts in films such as ‘Sherlock Holmes’, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Tropic Thunder’. He takes many weeks to practise these stunts in order to make them seem more realistic.

vFor the film ‘Chaplin’, where Downey plays Charlie Chaplin; Downey studied many of Chaplin’s movies to see how he communicated with other characters, and so that he could develop the specific moves that Chaplin made famous.

     Images showing his determination when taking on action scenes:

 

Similarly, his actions can be seen in 'Sherlock Holmes' (2008), where Downey is seen fighting. It's auite graphic, however, I believe that he puts so mcuh effort into this and it can be seen that he has trained well for this role.

 

 

vDowney has a very distinct voice. Many directors cast Downey because of his ‘different’ voice, which adds to the audience interest of the characters in the film.

vHe is well known for his singing voice as well.

Here is a clip of Downey singing from when he was in Ally McBeal. I personally think that he has an amazing singing voice. I love the raspy sound, and it adds so much emotion to the songs he sings.

This is a wonderful version on this song, and I think that he performs this in such a breathtaking way.

Similarly, he performs the song 'Chances Are' perfectly, alongside singer/actress Vonda Shepard, who is most known for her role in Ally McBeal throughout the series.

 

    Okay, so there we have it...a post on Robert Downey Jr, one of my absolute favourite actors.  I think we can all tell I love him, and I find him to be an inspiration to many younger actors.
Sorry it's such a long post, but when we're talking Downey, we need time to appreciate the man.

    Adios for now mon amigos, keep reading!

c Channy x

 

c