Ben Stiller’s Doubts on “Tropic Thunder” Today

Ben Stiller expresses skepticism about whether his 2008 satirical film “Tropic Thunder” could be produced in today’s climate. The movie, which follows a group of self-absorbed actors filming a Vietnam War movie, earned close to $200 million globally and garnered an Oscar nomination for Robert Downey Jr. However, it’s Downey’s character that Stiller believes would likely hinder the film’s production in contemporary Hollywood.

Downey’s Controversial Role

Downey portrayed Kirk Lazarus, an Australian actor who takes Method acting to an unethical extreme by using Blackface (or what he refers to as “pigmentation alteration” surgery) to play a Black soldier. Stiller intended to critique the absurd lengths actors go to for awards, but he finds the concept too “dicey” to attempt again.

Challenges of Edgier Comedy

“Obviously, in this environment, edgier comedy is just harder to do,” Stiller told Collider. “Definitely not at the scale we made it at, too, in terms of the economics of the business. I think even at the time we were fortunate to get it made, and I credit that, actually, to Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks. He read it and was like, ‘Alright, let’s make this thing.’ It’s a very inside movie when you think about it.”

The Dicey Nature of the Joke

“The idea of Robert playing that character who’s playing an African American character, I mean, incredibly dicey,” Stiller noted. “Even at the time, of course, it was dicey too. The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on — actors trying to do anything to win awards. But now, in this environment, I don’t even know if I would have ventured to do it, to tell you the truth. I’m being honest.”

Stiller’s Stance on “Tropic Thunder”

Stiller mentioned on his X profile last year that he makes “no apologies” for “Tropic Thunder,” stating: “It’s always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it.”

Downey’s Perspective on the Backlash

While some have criticized Downey in recent years for his use of Blackface in the film, he has not aligned with the backlash. During a recent appearance on Rob Lowe’s “Literally!” podcast, Downey compared “Tropic Thunder” to Norman Lear’s classic sitcom “All in the Family,” asserting that both highlight “tropes that are not right and had been perpetuated for too long” and are often misunderstood by critics.

The Muddied Understanding of Audiences

“There used to be an understanding with an audience, and I’m not saying that the audience is no longer understanding — I’m saying that things have gotten very muddied,” Downey remarked. “The spirit that [Ben] Stiller directed and cast and shot ‘Tropic Thunder’ in was, essentially, as a railing against all of these tropes that are not right and [that] had been perpetuated for too long.”

Downey’s Reflection on His Role

During a 2020 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Downey recalled how his mother was “horrified” upon learning about his role in “Tropic Thunder.” Despite being aware of the potential backlash, he felt it was an opportunity to expose the absurd self-involved hypocrisy of artists regarding their creative choices.

Downey’s View on the Film’s Intent

“[Ben Stiller] knew exactly what the vision for this was, he executed it, it was impossible to not have it be an offensive nightmare of a movie,” Downey stated. “And 90% of my Black friends were like, ‘Dude, that was great.’ I can’t disagree with [the other 10%], but I know where my heart lies. I think it’s never an excuse to do something that’s out of place and out of its time, but to me it blasted the cap on [the issue]. I think having a moral psychology is job one. Sometimes, you just gotta go, ‘Yeah I effed up.’ In my defense, ‘Tropic Thunder’ is about how wrong [Blackface] is, so I take exception.”

Award Recognition for Downey

In addition to his Oscar nomination, Downey also competed for best supporting actor at the BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globes.

Person

Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Steven Spielberg, Rob Lowe

Company Names

DreamWorks

Titles

Tropic Thunder, All in the Family

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