Robert Downey Jr, the star of the wildly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe and an Oscar-nominated actor for his role in Chaplin, comes from a long line of artists and performers. But despite his impressive career as Iron Man, it seems that his father, underground filmmaker Robert Downey Sr, was not always impressed with his son’s choice of roles.
Iron Man vs Putney Swope: A Father-Son Disagreement on Film Genre
In a recent interview promoting the Netflix documentary Sr., a tribute to his father directed by Chris Smith, the Iron Man star reveals that his father had a bit of a snobbish attitude towards his son’s work. When it came to his performances in the Sherlock Holmes films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey Sr. had less than complimentary things to say. Downey Jr. says,
“He was like, ‘Cute.’ I did a bunch of the Marvel stuff and he goes, ‘Uh uh. Yeah, bomb, bomb. Jokes. Funny robots. I get it.’ I went, ‘Hm. Wow. OK’.”
It’s not surprising that Downey Sr. had a less-than-enthusiastic response to his son’s work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man. The elder Downey was a countercultural provocateur who defined himself outside of the mainstream, and the superhero genre is about as mainstream as it gets.
Despite his father’s opinions, Robert Downey Jr. has nothing but love for his time as Tony Stark, the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist who dons the Iron Man suit. He said,
“I love it, I love it. I would do it forever,”
His father’s approval, despite his snobbish attitude, Downey Jr. reveals that he would often wonder what his father would think of his work. Every 15 years or so, he would get a thumbs up from his father, but that approval was always hard-won. In the end, it’s clear that Downey Sr.’s opinion meant a lot to his son. The Iron Man star reminisces.
“I remember that he thought Less Than Zero was good. He thought Chaplin was too episodic. And he really liked that German song I sang when I was 15.”
Sr.: A Film of Family, Redemption, and Love Despite Complexities
Sr. is a film that explores the complicated and loving relationship between father and son, and the impact that one’s upbringing has on one’s life. The film is a tribute to Downey Jr.’s father, Robert Downey Sr., an underground filmmaker who has made experimental films and had a significant influence on his son’s career in the film industry.
It’s a film that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the healing power of art and storytelling. It’s a film that speaks to the human experience and the love between a father and son. And that is something that’s relatable to everyone.
Despite his father’s snobbish attitude towards his work, Robert Downey Jr.’s love for his father shines through in the documentary Sr. and in his reflections on their relationship. The film captures the last days of Downey Sr. and is a way for Downey Jr. to process and understand his relationship with his father, who passed away last year due to Parkinson’s disease.
The film is a powerful reminder that family relationships are complicated and that even the most successful people have moments of doubt and insecurity.
Source: Fortune
