The 80s - Robert Downey, Jr. Appreciation #1 - He is our Bright Flame!

**Melis** · 08-09-2009, 01:06 PM

The Robert Downey, Jr. Thread

Bio
Despite Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and the unshakeable respect of film critics and his acting peers, Robert Downey, Jr. insisted that he was not really an actor, just a good hustler who had found a way to make a living. If he did not think he was acting, it was certainly reflected in his seamless skills, which were full of natural, physical expressiveness. His uncanny portrayal of beloved silent film star “Chaplin” (1992) earned him some of the highest praise of his career, but Downey’s gift was also his ability to transform a “regular person” into a creatively-detailed and thoroughly engrossing star of the show, often complete with memorable quirks. Even in his early roles in teen comedies, Downey stood out above his brat pack peers for his spontaneous energy and apparent fearlessness in exposing his very fragile inner workings. The only thing unbelievable about Downey was the script to his off-screen life, which included decades of drug abuse and jail time that amazingly healed in the third act, with the actor eventually walking into the sunset with true love on his arm. [ full bio ]

80s Films
Chances Are
True Believer
Johnny Be Good
Rented Lips
Less Than Zero
The Pick-Up Artist
Back to School
[ full list ]

**Melis** · 08-09-2009, 01:10 PM

Barry said we should have a thread! How could we not?! Robert has had such a long career. He is terrific in everything he does.

Barrybgb · 08-09-2009, 01:52 PM

Hey!. Lol. Good choice, good choice.

He really appeared in a number of 80s films. Maybe more than you remember!. Lol.

**Melis** · 08-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Yes, he did. I just didn't want to list every one. The list would be a mile long. lol

Barrybgb · 08-09-2009, 02:04 PM

I liked him in Back To School. I remember him in that one the most. Lol.

He said in a few interviews recently that out of all the 80s movies he has been in, "Weird Science" is the one he expects to be re-made.

Marki · 08-09-2009, 02:31 PM

i wouldnt blame him for thinking that. The concept of weird science is something that can easily be remade and not fail majorly if written right.

Barrybgb · 08-09-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marki (View Post)

i wouldnt blame him for thinking that. The concept of weird science is something that can easily be remade and not fail majorly if written right.

I agree. I love the movie, but I would be okay if that one were re-made. With it's sci-fi/fantasy elements, they could do something fun with today's effects and whatnot.

**Melis** · 08-09-2009, 04:52 PM

I forgot he was in that. Hmm.

**Melis** · 12-08-2009, 06:32 PM

I'm glad he's still in the business.

**Melis** · 12-08-2009, 06:33 PM

I'm glad he's still in the business.

Barrybgb · Yesterday, 10:35 AM

Me too. He's been on a serious roll here lately.