Independents Versus Hollywood - some errant thoughts on Robert Downey Jr.
03rd May, 2008
As his career finally earns him a lead role in a Hollywood Blockbuster, 'Iron Man' - Robert Downey Jr, who Total Film once described as "too human for Hollywood" - has the world at his feet. But which direction will he take, and have we already seen his best work?
For many years now I have been bemoaning one of the biggest injustices in Hollywood, that Robert Downey Jr is not an A-Lister, he doesn't command $20million per-movie and get the choices and opportunities afforded to the likes of Hanks, Depp, Pitt, etc. For me, Downey Jr is one of the all time great actors - who has mastered the art of being extremely natural yet still oozing with character and mystique.. he's one of the greats of our times.
Of course - arguably one of the main reasons for him never starring in major blockbusters was because of his countless drink, drug and driving offenses over the years. He's been a liability - messing up opportunities time and time again. For example, in 2001-- after earning the plaudits for his remarkable work as Larry Paul in 'Ally Mcbeal' he was arrested on drugs charges and dumped from the show by the creator David E. Kelley.
After that, it was a struggle. he was all set to play the lead in Woody Allen's "Melinda & Melinda" but the financing company, Fox Searchlight-- refused to pay the high insurance costs of having such a risky star on board.
Anyways-- the point I am gradually getting to is that, in the years that followed, Robert Downey Jr quietly knuckled down and took some astonishingly great roles in small, independent movies. And what could have been deemed as limitations, keeping him away from crowd-pleasing big budget fair, were some remarkable roles in what have become some of my favourite films.
"Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" was arguably his saving grace. The Writer/Director Shane Black had been outcast from Hollywood for years. His sharp, witty screenplays had served their course, he himself had grown tired of his work, and what the IMDB describes as "growing contempt for his own commercial, action-packed material".
"I struggled with that for quite a while -- trying to see like a child again, and realizing why I'd started in the movies. To get that excitement back, and lose some of the more unsavory lessons I'd been forced to swallow." - Shane Black.
"Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" brought Black back to the spotlight as not only a Writer, but a very gifted Director. And along with it, he ressurected the careers of a newly clean Robert Downey Jr and another actor struggling to find roles; the forgotten Val Kilmer.
The film garnered great reviews but its success was minor financially, due to only getting a very limited release theatrically.
Then came "A Guide To Recognising Your Saints" - a small time film set in Astoria, Queens NY; where Downey's screentime is reduced to that of a supporting actor (the majority of the film is set years before, where Shia LeBeouf plays the younger Downey). The cast is uniformally excellent but Robert Downey Jr shines. The amount of emotional authenticity he brings to his scenes, especially those at the end with his father (Chazz Palminteri) and with Laurie (Rosario Dawson) are spellbinding. The most raw, emotionally involving film acting you could ever hope to see. You feel as if you're no longer watching a film, no longer looking at actors; instead you feel like you're in the room with them. This is what Downey Jr was born to be doing.
The problem for Downey, as an actor, is that-- as great as 'A Guide To Recognising Your Saints" was, nobody came to see it. The film cost $2.4million, which is a fraction of what a film in Hollywood would cost. The roles he played in "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" and "A Guide To Recognising Your Saints" were remarkable, and he showed his acting genius-- but nobody got to see it, apart from those who specificially wanted to see them.
What I love about his work is that he has always strived to make great films, to make the most of his talents. But last night, watching him interviewed on 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross' - there was a real honesty about him when, on talking about taking the role of Iron Man, he said:
"I don't know why but I thought, maybe I'd like to be in a movie that more than sixteen people would see".
Of course, independent film purists will say "he's selling out!", "he's given in to the evil Hollywood machine!". But I couldn't help but feel really happy for him. Finally, he is rightfully going to be up there with the A-listers, getting a piece of the pie that he deserves a lot more so than many of the people already there.
What worries me though, is that - as Downey Jr sets down to work in 'Iron Man 2' and 'Iron Man 3' - where will he find the time to do the next 'A Guide To Recognising Your Saints', or something experimental like 'A Scanner Darkly' (which I admittedly thought was a poor movie).
And this is where the big Catch 22 comes into play. As his career finally progresses in the manner he deserves, where he is offered the world and more by Hollywood, he will make millions and millions of pounds and get to ply his trade amongst the Hollywood elite. It's exciting to know that next up is "Tropic Thunder", a Vietnam comedy Written, Directed and starring Ben Stiller; as well as featuring Jack Black, Bill Hader and even Tom Cruise according to the IMDB.
But what happens after that?. What jobs will he be taking?. Maybe it's a good thing, maybe like Tom Hanks and Matt Damon he'll get to hand-pick and shape the projects he undertakes. Or maybe, like Ben Stiller, like Mark Wahlberg, like Bruce Willis - he'll find himself in half-hearted Hollywood blockbusters that please the masses but leave you feeling woefully apathetic afterwards. My hope is that, somehow, he will still manage to find characters as raw, flawed and as painful as Dito in 'A Guide...', or as well written and hilarious as Harry Lockhart in 'Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang', or as engaging as Joe Wershba in 'Good Night, And Good Luck' - or as emotionally true as Larry Paul in 'Ally Mcbeal'. I can only hope.
He deserves everything. He deserves $20million paychecks and film franchises like Iron Man. I'm excited to see what his future brings, I just hope it doesn't mean the end of him putting his acting talents to their best use in heartfelt, complex roles that are more often found in low-budget indies than in Hollywood crowd-pleasers.
Facebook.
14th Mar, 2008
If you're on facebook - type in 'Daniel Johnson Films' in the search box and you will be able to join the Daniel Johnson Films group. Not quite sure what the point of it is, but it's another place for you to be pestered about screenings and things.
Alternatively, you could not join - and life will probably go on. I'll leave it to you.
Juno.
18th Feb, 2008
Juno. Have you seen it yet?.
God I love this film. Not that God had anything to do with it. It's more to do with Jason Reitman and Ellen Page, along with everyone else involved in making the film. For me, it's a perfect movie.
So why is Juno so great?. For one, Ellen Page.
She gives a groundbreakingly natural and funny performance as Juno MacGuff; just one of the most instantly watchable performances you could ever get on the screen. You know how Morgan Freeman or Robert Downey Jr are just instantly watchable - she has that. You can't help but be glued to the screen from the moment she enters the frame.
The dialogue stands out as some of the best I've heard in any film-- possibly ever. Is that down to Diablo Cody (the writer) for crafting this wonderful dialogue, or is it down to the actors; for bringing it to life so unusually and hilariously, or-- perhaps; was it with the expert direction and supervision of the Director, Jason Reitman. I guess that's the magic of a good movie-- sometimes you just never know how the pieces came together. Suffice to say - the dialogue sparkles, particularly with Page and Michael Cera (who was criminally underused in the film).
So anyways, I could ramble on - but I realise you're already close to snoring whilst awake which you haven't ever done before; so I'll wrap it up.
The bottom line is: You should really go and watch JUNO. I've seen it three times at the Cinema already and I'll be snapping it up the second it's available on DVD.
Let's hope that it wins Best Picture at the Academy Awards (which it won't) and that Ellen Page grabs the Best Actress Award (which she should!)
PS: Sorry for rambling on about Ellen Page so much. She is my new favourite actor. I'll try not to mention her every day.
Film Screenings in December.
28th Nov, 2007
On Tuesday 11th December 'Remember' is being screened at the Roxy Bar & Screen, as part of an event hosted by Rotoreliefs
The event starts at 7pm. A bit about the event:
"Join us on our last event before the new year with another set of the best works in the independent film scene. As always all the directors will come to talk and answer questions about their work and experience behind the scenes."
-More info at http://www.rotoreliefs.com/
"128-132 Borough High Street
Borough Tube (Northern Line) - out of station, turn left, walk up Borough High Street
London Bridge (Rail, Northern, Jubilee Line) out of station via Borough High Street exit, walk down."
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And then the following night on Wednesday 12th December; at the 'Portobello Film Festival 2nd London Film Makers Convention' my films REMEMBER & DISCOMBOBULATION will be screened back to back.
The event is from 6–11pm, at the Inn On The Green; http://www.iotg.co.uk - INN ON THE GREEN"
3-5 Thorpe Close W10
Ladbroke Grove tube - cross over and walk under the motorway - look for a balcony and come upstairs
Lahayna make it to the Top 40!.
18th Nov, 2007
Just want to say congratulations to LAHAYNA for making it to number 33 in the Official UK singles chart.
It's a truly incredible achievement - made possible by the dedication they've put into their craft and into meeting people through touring and playing their single to people out on the streets.
You can hear their tunes in "Mix CD" and at the beginning of "Discombobulation" - along with an exclusive first listen of the newly recorded 'Go Go Down' in the documentary "Lahayna: In The Studio".
Stay tuned for the "In The City" Music Video in about a weeks time...
It’s not a memo, it’s a mission statement – The Future Of Our Business.
13th Nov, 2007
The Writers guild of American are currently on strike. I don’t know the ins and outs of the story but suffice to say; the studios in America are earning some pretty big bucks and the writers/creators – aren’t getting their piece of the pie.
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter reports that things are looking financially bleak for the studios. Whilst paying the talent is a large expense, the main issue appears to be that “the current cost of producing, casting and advertising movies in the present environment simply exceeds the likely returns.” Meanwhile, Saw V rolls into production.
A big budget movie these days costs anything from $60-200 million dollars. With the expanding costs of filmmaking; with actors, directors and producers garnering higher salaries than at any other point in history it’s exciting to think of what we can achieve. I was so excited by that thought that I decided to check out the biggest grossing movies so far this year. Spiderman 3, Shrek 3, Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 The Bourne Ultimatum third so far…, Rush Hour 3, Die Hard 4. A worrying trend. Things don’t get much better when you think of the disappointing Simpsons Movie; and Harry Potter 55 or whatever it’s up to now. Even Pixar seemed to misfire with Ratatouille. With the exceptions of the heartfelt “Knocked Up” and the outrageously hilarious “Superbad” – the highest grossing films make for a depressing read. I’m not a film snob – I’m not one of those who is proud of my collection of obscure Romanian films. I genuinely love the possibilities of commercial cinema. The idea that Jerry Bruckheimer can hire, I dunno, Brett Ratner – who can then cast Nic Cage and Jessica Biel. What could be better than that?. But somehow; the studio way of producing films never seems to work.
In William Goldman’s eye opening book Adventures In The Screen Trade he makes an important point; probably the fundamental point for anyone looking to write, produce or direct movies. That point is nobody knows anything. And the fact that nobody knows anything seems to burn away at the core of all the producers, studio executives and directors. So what happens?.
Panic.
So the big time studio decides to make “The Film”. Budget of $100million. That kind of money is a lot of money. Oh god, what if the film stinks? What if no-one laughs at the jokes? What if we don’t have a big conflict by page nine?. So it’s time to take another look at the script. The producers begin to chip in. As does the studio executive who’s job is on the line. For the writer, “The Film” is his masterpiece; it’s ‘Shawshank Redemption’ meets ‘Some Like It Hot’. But the producer is unsure if the sex jokes will appeal to the demographic, so they go back and rework the script until it’s perfect. The perfect balance of jokes, conflict, character development, etc. The writer tries to explain that the soul of the piece is gone; but the producer is happy because Nic Cage is excited about the new jokes and Jessica Biel likes that her character has more of a back story. Whichs brings us to the problem we face on nearly every film we see in the cinema.
The films seem fractured. That great concept you saw in the trailer gets lost and muddled somewhere from pre-production to that final edit. It’s a splurge of averageness that doesn’t reach the dizzy heights you had hoped for. But who cares; after you go home at night, more people will come out tomorrow to see it. Everyone involved in the film will make some money and they’ll live to work another day.
The problem is that these uninspired hacked up pieces of ‘art’ are not inspiring audiences. This way of writing and producing films; you just know it’s not how “The Apartment”, “Beautiful Girls” and “The Green Mile” were made. Can you imagine ‘Annie Hall’ if the producer had demanded Woody do some re-writes? Maybe rethink the plot? – because there isn’t much of one.
The point I am getting too, is that; if the industry is in crisis with giant losses and overinflated egos and paychecks; then maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe if the entire industry broke down.. well, what would happen?.
My guess is that some wise businessman somewhere might give $27,000 to someone who’s got a really interesting concept for a horror film where a bunch of kids get lost in the forest and go through a lot of hell. Or maybe some filmmakers will be inspired to raise $28,000 grand to shoot a comedy set in a convenience store. And rather than a big budget being $100million; maybe a big budget might be a couple of million dollars instead; it’d be a much smaller risk and then maybe, just maybe; some really original, exciting works might creep out of the woodwork. Films like Kabluey, Written & Directed By Scott Prendergast, or Little Miss Sunshine; or the next generation’s ‘Clerks’, ‘Blair Witch Project’, ‘Blood Simple’, etc.
I can’t remember the last giantly budgeted feature which I found genuinely interesting, or funny, or moving; the best films of the last year have been foreign, low-budget films – things like The Band’s Visit and The Counterfeiters.
It’s an interesting time for the industry; and whatever the knock on effects of the downward slump in profits for the big studios or the ongoing WGA strike; let’s hope it helps carve out a window for independent Writers and Directors to find the means and ways to create exciting, dynamic films and get them not only seen, but embedded in the consciousness of mainstream audiences – who will be treated with more respect than being given ‘Die Hard 19’ or a remake of ‘Apocolypse Now’.
The Times They Are A Changing...
18th Oct, 2007
I am coming to the end now of making short films the way I make short films. They've done their job, served a purpose and helped me get my foot into the industry, get peoples attention, and get meetings. I couldn't do that before. But, it's time to move on.
The way I make short films is to get my camera, get a few friends, get some actors - and shoot. And it's been great; but it's got to the point where it limits me incredibly, and it's time to move on.
I am currently working on two feature film projects. Developing a film called "Midnight Runner" with a production company - it was originally a short script that I wrote.
I am also writing a comedy feature called "The Old Boys"; which is primarily for myself but there are a few people who want to read it when it's done.
I'm not done with short films, however. But it's time to get a lot more professional about them. On all my films so far I've operated the camera. But truth be told, I'm not a Director Of Photography, it's not what I'm good at and it's not where my career is headed. It's time to collaborate. Same goes with lighting, and sound and everything else. It's time to make professional short films with professional kit and crew; it's scary because in many ways you lose control because it becomes more collaborative, but that's what it's all about. Finding collaborators who can help bring my vision to life on screen.
I plan to shoot two short films in the next six months. One of them will be my final no-budget, Mini-DV type thing - one final hurrah to true independence and amateurism. And the other will be a fully crewed film. And by fully crewed I mean, necessary crew, there won't be 18 assistants and a catering truck.
It's time to step out the front door and make the giant leap into producing and directing exciting, dynamic films; and it all begins right.................... now.
Finally it's time to shoot a new film. This one is the most ambitious so far. I have more locations, more actors and more equipment than ever before. Yet I'm producing it with less money and in less time than pretty much all of the previous films.
"Discombobulation" is a 16 page short comedy. We're shooting it in two days. Which is probably a bit crazy, but I like a chaotic filming schedule. When I spread an 8 page film over a 4 day shoot; things seem to be a bit uninspired and slow. It's weird how it works out. So despite having more locations (scattered all over Essex and London) - I felt it was good to cram it all in. And it's also the case that the less time you take, the better actors are attracted to working with you. Well, at least on expenses-only projects.
The film sees the return of many previous collaborators; including Larry Gevirtz (Associate Producer) Paul Seaton (Actor), Jeremy Mayle (Composer) and Steven Brook (Lighting Director) - it feels good to have so many trustworthy friends involved, whilst also bringing in many new faces to keep things fresh.
Geoff Talbot is playing the lead; and was cast literally days ago. He's a New Zealander who's only been over here a couple of months but has already been in a heap of short films. Steven Porter and Clare An Buckingham come from a background in Amateur Dramatics; but seeing their camera tests and rehearsals recently has been really exciting, they have a real understanding of film acting - it's a great cast.
Pictures, Video Clips and other bits and pieces will all appear soon..
Mayor's Mention.
13th Jun, 2007
Well, I may not have cracked the American market yet. But thanks to Jeremy Mayle, some people have now heard of me in Ohio.
Thank You.
21st Apr, 2007
Just want to thank those of you who kindly sponsored me for the Adidas Half Marathon I did back in March. Through your donations I have raised £1225 for the Parrot Ward in Great Ormond Street Hospital. The money's being spent on Portable DVD players, Sony PSP's, Nintendo DS's and other things like that - things that will entertain the older children (cos' hospital's can be pretty boring).
I ran the race with two of my friends, Terry and Kam - if you add their totals we raised a brilliant £2000 altogether. I can't think of a better cause.
Me, Kam, Terry, Tracey (My Aunt), A Super Nurse, Alfie (My Cousin)
It's the little things that make life worth living.
10th Mar, 2007
Forget films, this is the perfect way to pass 4 minutes.
Shooting People.
10th Feb, 2007
Shooting People have featured me with an extended interview about the making of 'MIX CD' and other bits and pieces. Take a look by clicking on the picture below.
Ilford Recorder Article.
25th Jan, 2007
They wrote a piece about me in The Ilford Recorder, my local paper. Click on the image to read the article.
Raising Money For Great Ormond Street Hospital.
03rd Jan, 2007
On Sunday 18th March 2007 I will be running in the Adidas half marathon and raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
I used to play football. But then I got to 15 and realised it was much less taxing on the body to just stay home and watch DVD's. Aside from sprinting for the occassional bus or being an underused sub for my mate's 5 a-side football team a few years back; I haven't exercised at all. So suddenly deciding to do a 13.1 Mile marathon is quite a challenge, and beyond my usual capabilities.
The reason I'm doing this is to raise money through sponsorship for Great Ormond Street hospital.
Generally I'm not one to jump on raising money campaigns for charities, I'm not that nice of a guy, however- for this one time I would really, really love to raise a respectable amount for GOSH.
For those of you who don't know, Great Ormond Street is a childrens hospital based in Central London that saves literally thousands of lives each year and is a true centre of angellic excellence.
This isn't one of those things where you pledge £5 and wonder why you bothered. This is truly a cause worth giving to. Children come from all around the world to be treated at GOSH. The place has earnt it's reputation by being a place filled with wonderful, inspiring doctors, nurses, play specialists and everything else - and the reason it is so good is because of how much they care and how generous people like yourselves are.
Great Ormond Street Hospital makes a palpable difference in a positive way to the 100,000 kids who pass through its doors each year; as well as their extended families. Ask anyone who's ever been there and I am sure they'd agree with me.
If you want to sponsor me drop me an email (the address is at the top right of the page) - Thank You.
I guess it's Christmas coming down...
25th Dec, 2006
It's that time of year again. Merry Christmas all; and a Happy New Year. Thanks for sticking around..
And let me know what you think of Mix CD!.
dj
" The real truth is, I probably don't want to be too happy or content. Because, then what? I actually like the quest, the search. That's the fun. The more lost you are, the more you have to look forward to. What do you know? I'm having a great time and I don't even know it
"
