Is Robert Downey, Jr. DESTROYED forever?

[Carl Cunningham]

Those who know me well know that Robert Downey, Jr (dumbass drug addie) is one of my favorite actors.

In my opinion, this guy is one of the most talented (if not THE most talented) and versatile actors of my generation. If you don't believe me, watch "Chaplin" with an un- clouded mind (and try not to laugh when you realize that Al Pacino won the Oscar that year... for Scent of a Woman!)

It PISSES me off to see someone like Downey waste his true potential and possibly end his career.

But I believe he may yet have another chance. After all, this is Hollywood... the place where demons are actually sainted.

So, do you think he gets another chance? and does he even DESERVE one?

`Carl

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"I am not afraid."

[This message has been edited by Carl Cunningham (edited 12-29-1999).]

[JARO BORANO]

i agree - he is a very talented actor. chaplin was brilliant. he also did a documentary a while back which was really good - i forgot what it was called - but it was basically his perspective on the world.

and i've seen him in other movies - forgot the names - which have displayed his acting abilities.

but he truly has messed up his life - but in hollywood he's the only one getting caught

[Carl Cunningham]

Jaro,

I agree that he's pretty much the only one being caught, and that is unfair. But it's still his fault and his ruining what could be an excellent career. Plus, if he ever does get another chance he needs to start choosing some better films. http://www.chud.com/board/ubbhtml/wink.gif

By the way, is the documentary you were talking about "The Party", about the republican and democratic national conventions? I've never seen it, but heard it was funny as hell and quite interesting.

`Carl

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"I am not afraid."

[chill-o-rama]

Hey, if Daryl Strawberry keeps repeatedly getting second chances for all his doping and whoring I don't see why Downey can't score another shot at redemption and salvaging his career.

[This message has been edited by chill-o-rama (edited 12-30-1999).]

[This message has been edited by chill-o-rama (edited 12-31-1999).]

[Carl Cunningham]

chill-o-rama, good point! http://www.chud.com/board/ubbhtml/wink.gif

`Carl


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"I am not afraid."

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Carl's C.H.U.D. BIO Page (http://www.chud.com/carl.php3)
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Carl's DVD List (http://www.dvdtracker.com/~carlc) (Always "in production")

[Hastur]

Actually, Downey makes me think of Rutger Hauer: When he is on, he is so on, you forget it's an actor and believe for a second. When he is off, he is just a guy reading some lines, obviously on something.

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-Hastur
"Go ahead. Say my name four times. I dare you. I double dare you.

[Coyote]

Yep, that was The Party.
And yes, he's great and needs to strighten out his life. Or star in a musical about the Betty Ford Clinic.

[Coyote]

strighten: A poison used to transmortify a person into a dangerous talking llama.

[DJEvil]

He was the original choice for the lead in Hollow Man. When he got busted, Kevin Bacon replaced him.

Think he may have done a better job? I don't. Still...

[kronos]

There is a racecar driver - Darrell Alderman - who several years ago was convicted of a huge cocaine dealing charge. He was addicted and was selling in order to partially fund his racing. He had a huge sponsorship as well from Dodge. He went away to jail and became a name not spoken anymore. Before, he had won the NHRA/Winston Pro Stock Title.

In the past two years he has come back after doing his time and community service. His talent has shone through and he is becomeing a threat to the championship once again. He is back with Dodge and I believe next season he will be poised to win once again.

If you've done your time and truly are reformed, the stench of pariah can be wiped clean. Because someone will see your talent for what it is.

Robert Downey Jr. is in this position right now - as long as he does not blow it.

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-KRONOS http://www.piranha.bigsmart.com

[TheBigToe]

I agree that he is one of the most talented actors of late but I also agree with his sentenceing. Too many celebs get away with shit that would get a regular person sent to jail. That being said, does his experience eerily shadow the character he played in "Less than Zero". Weird stuff.

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Big Money, Big Prizes, I Like IT!!!!!!!!!

[Coyote]

He's also one of my favourites (as is Anette Bening, so why was their movie so hard to watch?). I also get the impression that his strength of character is still there, even with the drugs...he checked himself into the Ford clinic the day after he got out.
Also, he beat the hell out of an inmate for sending nasty letters to one of his fans that had been writing him. While not a big fan of Real Life Violence(tm), that tells me he's not exactly beaten down. Maybe he'll pull himself out of it. The guy's smart, resilient, and tough.
Problem is, he's fighting himself.

[generalzod]

This is why the drug war is ridiculous and needs to be revised. Downey should not be in jail for an addiction. He should have been in a treatment center from the begining. I never understood the point of punishing someone for having an addiction, it's obvious they are battling themselves. How do protect someone from themselves?
Downey seems like a nice guy and his career is there I believe if he wants it badly. He already has a guest spot on "ally McBeal" so the sympathy is out there.
BEsides if those asshole, loser athletes can get a second chance, why not Downey?

[Brian Koukol]

Coyote, he never beat the hell out of anyone, he got the hell beat out of him. Still, it was a good moral stand.

[The Bowler]

Jaro said :

"But in hollywood he's the only one getting caught."

I get the feeling that Robert Downey, Jr. is being used as a way for people (soceity, the justice system, etc.) to show that even stars are not above the law. A lot of folks in Hollywood use and don't get caught but Robert Downey, Jr. gets caught and put away and we all feel a little safer.

This does not mean that I condone illegal activities. Downey needs to get his shit together and clean up his act. But that is just my general opinion on the matter.

Peace out

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"Maybe you should put some shorts on or something if you wanna keep fighting evil today."

[Will]

In a word, Carl. Yes!

He may now join Corey Feldman and Corey Hyam,(sp) Todd Bridges, and others in whatever limbo land those people who think the world really should treat them better, go to when reality crashes in on them and they have to find out if they can make it in life, just like the rest of us. I would say the Jury is still out on Mr. Downey Jr., as a human being. I would not want to have him as a star in something I bankrolled. Give me some workaholic, hungry actor that will work at achiving success. Sorry to be so judgmental, but I am not a fan of those who are given special treatment so many times that they then start expecting it. How many talented, hard working, dependable actors would love to have Rbrt. Downey Jr's roles and could use those to springboard into even greater roles? Need I say more. Maybe Robert just has "Downey" syndrome.

[D_B_Cooper]

Oh, he'll be fine. Don't worry about it. He'll land on his feet.

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In every world, in every age, when peril casts its awesome shadow over humankind, he is summoned. The Eternal Champion.

[Jason Pollock]

Perhaps he could go to work at Taint Studios? Definitely a group with an affinity for his kinda' lifestyle...

http://www.chud.com/board/ubbhtml/wink.gif

[Quatermass76]

Well, so much for my smartass post...

[Jason Pollock]

Tell you what, my friend-I'll erase mine, make like didn't write it-then you can take a crack at it.

There's always room for one more.

[Darth Bigglesworth]

I don't think Downey will go the way of Corey Haim or Corey Feldmen. Although they both proved themselves to be talented dramatic actors ( Haim in Lucas and Feldmen in Stand by Me), by the time they had their run-ins with drugs, they were mostly starring in crappy teenybopper movies like Dream a Little Dream and Licensed to Drive. Drugs or no drugs, their careers would probably have disappeared anyways due to a huge number of bad choices. Seriously, you can't, at the peak of your fame, star in a film like Watchers and expect to maintain a long and healthy career.

Downey on the other hand, even though he's made a share of bad movies, is more renowned for being a great actor, and taking on interesting roles and appearing in meaty supporting parts. His drug problem may hurt his career a bit, but I can hardly see it ending it.

[General Logan]

If being the voice of Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is failing, then I DON'T WANNA SUCCEED!

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Soon to BE a CHUD topic.

[Will]

Biggie: I believe you have to receive some kindof tourtue for even mentioning Watchers on a public board. You may have to have your korat wacked or something. What a steaming pile of puke and they butchered a fine little horror novel and probably ruined Dean Kootz's next decade for him.