Tropic Thunder Writer Argues That The Film Shouldn’t be Controversial

One of many writers of Tropic Thunder remains to be standing by the film right this moment. A satirical movie centering round a gaggle of stuck-up actors deserted within the jungle, Tropic Thunder explores the character of Hollywood and filmmaking, whereas additionally together with an excessive amount of motion. Regardless of counting on comedy and enjoying on widespread tropes, it hasn’t escaped criticism for just a few controversial components, together with Robert Downey Jr.’s Blackface.

But author Justin Theroux informed Newsweek that he would not assume the movie is controversial in any respect. Try his quote beneath:

“I’d hate to assume we’re coming into a zone the place you’ll be able to’t make something. You recognize what I imply? I am an enormous believer in free speech. For those who watch it once more, there’s nothing that’s that ‘onerous charging’ about it. You recognize, it would not appear that controversial to me due to who the jokes are geared toward. You recognize what I imply? It is geared toward a bunch of dumb actors. That is still humorous to me.”

Theroux is not the primary member of the forged and crew to talk out in favor of Tropic Thunder. As not too long ago as February, Ben Stiller was defending Tropic Thunder and insisting that he would not remorse his half within the film in any respect.

Why Tropic Thunder Continues To Draw Debate

There are nonetheless some elements of Tropic Thunder that do deserve additional consideration, particularly within the fashionable political local weather. Whereas he managed to keep away from criticism on the time, Downey Jr. spent the whole thing of Tropic Thunder in Blackface. As Kirk Lazarus, a way actor forged to play a Black man, Downey Jr. needed to depend on stereotypes whereas additionally strolling round masquerading as a white actor enjoying a Black character.

The film has additionally confronted rising controversy as a consequence of its portrayal of disabled characters. Stiller’s Tugg Speedman usually used slurs to confer with a previous character of his, Easy Jack. His insulting response to Jack is current all through the movie, although Tugg is portrayed as being mistaken about Easy Jack and other people with mental disabilities.

Whatever the surprising language and visible components of the film, Tropic Thunder continues to hammer residence its message with out changing into overly offensive. Whereas it does painting Blackface and slurs, Theroux argues that it’s at all times evident that the joke is rarely on the minority teams that the characters goal. As a substitute, the main target is at all times aimed on the characters themselves, who’re so absorbed in themselves that they can not see previous their very own prejudice and absurd technique performing. Tropic Thunder holds up as a result of it understands its personal satire and is aware of methods to talk it, even when there are nonetheless some rumblings of controversy right this moment.

Supply: Newsweek