![]() If blackface appeared on-screen today, the theater would probably remain uncomfortably silent, or erupt with outrage.Better known for its French comic books and French film industry, France remains one of the most renowned countries in the field of animation. But even Downey himself isn't sure if this role could exist in the modern climate. Lazarus' character is meant to poke fun at method actors who go too far when transforming into their roles. YouTube star Jenna Marbles lost her career when old videos of herself in blackface resurfaced. In response, numerous mainstream TV shows have pulled episodes featuring blackface from circulation, including The Golden Girls, The Office, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and 30 Rock. This early theatrical practice has always played into racial stereotypes and caricatures, but in modern times, this kind of acting is seen as racist and unacceptable. In order to portray Tropic Thunder's African-American Staff Sergeant Lincoln Osiris, extreme method-actor Lazarus undergoes pigmentation alteration surgery to temporarily darken his skin. The film's most iconic and controversial character is five-time Academy Award winner Kirk Lazarus, played to perfection by Robert Downey Jr. If you're familiar with Tropic Thunder, then you knew this one was coming. Never go full r*tard." The R-word is freely thrown around numerous times in Tropic Thunder. Kirk Lazarus (Downey) offers him some eloquent insight as to why this happened: "You went full r*tard, man. In the world of Tropic Thunder, unsurprisingly, Simple Jack tanked both critically and commercially, bringing Speedman's career to a screeching halt. Even Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman, who delivered iconic performances in Forrest Gump and Rain Man respectively, would probably be criticized for such roles today. And yes, disabled characters should be portrayed by people with actual disabilities. Gay characters should be played by homosexuals. Related: Movies That Made 2008 A Great Year For ComedyĬharacters of color should be played by actors of color. We now live in an age where characters of a certain group are expected to be played by actors and actresses who belong to that same group, a notion that hearkens back to society's demand for increased representation in film. Although he's a spoof of those aforementioned characters not meant to be serious, some modern viewers might find it hard not to cringe while watching Stiller's performance. ![]() Simple Jack is severely mentally challenged, with bad teeth, a bad stutter, and a really bad haircut. This character is a far cry from Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man or Tom Hanks' Forrest Gump. Determined to be seen as a serious, dramatic actor, Tugg Speedman (Stiller) sheds his action star image to play Simple Jack. Some of the most memorable characters in cinema are those with disabilities, a list that would never, ever include Tropic Thunder's Simple Jack. Grossman's character might not sit well with modern viewers, especially given that and the recent rise in anti-Semitism. Weinstein has since been ousted as a sexual offender in an avalanche of accusations that prompted the #MeToo moment. In Tropic Thunder, Grossman can be heard screaming at someone on the phone, presumably a woman, threatening to "cut your t*ts off." But those leaked emails were only the tip of the iceberg. Leaked emails have proven Weinstein to be an abusive misogynist. Grossman's character was also based on Harvey Weinstein - and therein lies another problem. Although the thick, gold chain around his neck doesn't sport any Jewish symbolism, Grossman's last name and the references he makes to the Jewish holiday Purim seem to imply a Jewish heritage. Les Grossman plays into the stereotypical caricature of a Hollywood film executive: a ruthless, cut-throat, money-obsessed maniac. Although it's regarded as one of cinema's greatest cameos, Cruise's depiction isn't without its flaws. Grossman's explosive temper and foul mouth was one of the movie's highlights. No one was expecting to see Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder, especially not as a balding, overweight Hollywood executive named Les Grossman.
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