Before this movie, I mostly thought of him as a Brat Pack actor -- not terrible, but nothing to write home about either. But when I saw this, I was blown away by how good he was at portraying a dying Charlie. I don't know if he got nominated for a Golden Globe, but he should have gotten an Academy Award nomination for sure. It just sucks when someone goes out of their usual range and does really well, and doesn't get recognized for it.
I absolutely agree with you! The media has focused so much on Downey's private life and issues that they oftentimes fail to recognize his talent. His portrayal stuck with me for a long time. I have recommended this movie to several of my friends.
shareI know. Charlie's death must rank as one of the most powerful death scenes in all of cinema.
Of course, back in the mid-90s, a lot of people would have had problems with a film whose most moral character was a gay man who died of AIDS. Also, Robert Downey Jr had severe drug problems which were just then starting to come to light.
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Plus, by early 1998 (when Oscar voting begins), Downey was racking up the drug arrests, and was sentenced to Corcoran State Prison by the end of the year. I think the drug arrests made voting for him for an Oscar not politically popular, even in Hollywood circles.
Of course, the number of times RDJ's been robbed of a nomination, much less an Oscar itself, is practically legendary. But yeah, his performance as Charlie in this movie is simply brilliant, and his death made me cry. Downey is an amazing actor, no question.
yeah, he was really good.
shareI agree
He is amazing in this movie and so is Wesley Snipes. Excellent performances
"I'm Dexter, and I'm not sure what I am. I just know there's something dark in me" - Dexter Morgan
i concur^
shareI agree
He is amazing in this movie and so is Wesley Snipes. Excellent performances
RDJ was definitely robbed more than once at the Oscars (of course either way, the award's still a glorified marketing gimmick, hehe).
"Our knowledge has made us cynical. Our cleverness, hard and unkind."
I agree, RDJ gave an exceptional Oscar worthy performance!
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