December 1, 2022
FILM: SR.
DIRECTED BY CHRIS SMITH
STARRING: ROBERT DOWNEY SR., ROBERT DOWNEY JR
RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
By Dan Pal
How many of us have known the star and force that is “Iron Man” Robert Downey Jr. without ever knowing who Sr. is or was? That is the focus of the funny and moving new documentary about Downey’s father, referred to in the title and during the film as “Sr.” Prior to making this film, director Chris Smith (American Movie) had connected with “Jr.” who had no interest in making a film about himself. However, he saw this as an opportunity to find out more about his father.
Sr.’s own career as a director of low budget, underground, independent films began in the 1960s. Throughout Sr. we are treated to clips of the wacky and irreverent work he created. Films like Putney Swope and The Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight are revealed as bitingly funny and completely at odds with the serious fare made by Hollywood during that time. Most of these films were shot in black and white so Smith approaches this project in the same way, keeping color generally out of the equation and allowing for a free-wheeling style very much in tune to Sr.’s work.
The documenting begins in 2019. Sr. decides that while this film is being made he would produce his own version of this story. What results are two projects created simultaneously with editing being done for both within the film we view. It’s a very meta, self-reflexive approach which again is in line with the way Sr. made his own films. Many of the early scenes here feature a lot of silly and witty banter between the two Downeys. Their comradery is infectious and adds a lot of levity to what could have been a darker story filled with tragic situations and neurotic behavior. Yet, that isn’t who these guys are.
Of course, being the documentary that this is there are still plenty of standard non-fiction tropes present such as interviews and direct address. Several key figures in Sr.’s life are given moments to reflect on the man including Norman Lear, Alan Arkin, and Paul Thomas Anderson with whom he developed a friendship with after appearing briefly in Anderson’s Boogie Nights (1997).
But the best parts of this film are the interactions with Jr. The two Roberts have undeniable chemistry and love that floats with much tenderness and humor between them. We’re even treated to Jr.’s first on screen appearance in one of Sr.’s early films. Both also struggled with drugs, which is given some but not an unnecessary amount of attention here. Later we see the care Jr. takes when spending time with his father whose health deteriorates, due to Parkinson’s Disease, during the making of the documentary. However, Smith never makes this a film about sickness. Instead he champions the relationship between this father and son and emphasizes their solid bond and friendship.
There really is so much to love about this film. It is as lively and energetic as both figures have been throughout their lives and careers. I found myself completely drawn to Sr. and his sense of humor, joy, and rebellion. I wanted to spend even more time with him. Thankfully his films still exist to delve further into his mind.
In the end this is a loving father/son portrait that beautifully captures the powerful bond between them. Highly recommended!
Sr. premieres on Netflix tomorrow.
FILM: SR.
DIRECTED BY CHRIS SMITH
STARRING: ROBERT DOWNEY SR., ROBERT DOWNEY JR
RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
By Dan Pal
How many of us have known the star and force that is “Iron Man” Robert Downey Jr. without ever knowing who Sr. is or was? That is the focus of the funny and moving new documentary about Downey’s father, referred to in the title and during the film as “Sr.” Prior to making this film, director Chris Smith (American Movie) had connected with “Jr.” who had no interest in making a film about himself. However, he saw this as an opportunity to find out more about his father.
Sr.’s own career as a director of low budget, underground, independent films began in the 1960s. Throughout Sr. we are treated to clips of the wacky and irreverent work he created. Films like Putney Swope and The Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight are revealed as bitingly funny and completely at odds with the serious fare made by Hollywood during that time. Most of these films were shot in black and white so Smith approaches this project in the same way, keeping color generally out of the equation and allowing for a free-wheeling style very much in tune to Sr.’s work.
The documenting begins in 2019. Sr. decides that while this film is being made he would produce his own version of this story. What results are two projects created simultaneously with editing being done for both within the film we view. It’s a very meta, self-reflexive approach which again is in line with the way Sr. made his own films. Many of the early scenes here feature a lot of silly and witty banter between the two Downeys. Their comradery is infectious and adds a lot of levity to what could have been a darker story filled with tragic situations and neurotic behavior. Yet, that isn’t who these guys are.
Of course, being the documentary that this is there are still plenty of standard non-fiction tropes present such as interviews and direct address. Several key figures in Sr.’s life are given moments to reflect on the man including Norman Lear, Alan Arkin, and Paul Thomas Anderson with whom he developed a friendship with after appearing briefly in Anderson’s Boogie Nights (1997).
But the best parts of this film are the interactions with Jr. The two Roberts have undeniable chemistry and love that floats with much tenderness and humor between them. We’re even treated to Jr.’s first on screen appearance in one of Sr.’s early films. Both also struggled with drugs, which is given some but not an unnecessary amount of attention here. Later we see the care Jr. takes when spending time with his father whose health deteriorates, due to Parkinson’s Disease, during the making of the documentary. However, Smith never makes this a film about sickness. Instead he champions the relationship between this father and son and emphasizes their solid bond and friendship.
There really is so much to love about this film. It is as lively and energetic as both figures have been throughout their lives and careers. I found myself completely drawn to Sr. and his sense of humor, joy, and rebellion. I wanted to spend even more time with him. Thankfully his films still exist to delve further into his mind.
In the end this is a loving father/son portrait that beautifully captures the powerful bond between them. Highly recommended!
Sr. premieres on Netflix tomorrow.