Exclusive Interview with Robert Downey Jr

GetFrank was able to grab a few answers from Robert Downey Jr, epic star of Iron Man, in regards to his new film that just came out on DVD here in New Zealand The Soloist where he acts alongside Jamie Foxx about a Los Angeles journalist who befriends a homeless Julliard-trained musician (Foxx), while looking for a new article for the paper.

Playing a real life character is obviously very different than a larger than life character like Iron Man. How did you approach it?

ROBERT: I always try to imagine anyone I am playing as a real person. The fact that Steve was a real person had me interested in him, but by the time I was filming I was just down there in downtown LA being a part of the process. 

So you didn’t want to spend too much time with him, so as not to copy him?

ROBERT: I was just trying to think of an aspect of my self that is curious and tends to go out on a limb for the sake of seeing whether I can help out.

You have played a journalist a few times in your career. Usually actors are not too fond of journalists – what can you relate to?

ROBERT: The few have spoilt it for the many. They say the same thing about lawyers but one of the most grounded people I know is a lawyer. I think we are all just trying to get by.

What was the experience like filming in skid row?

ROBERT: I think what was really cool was how supportive they were and how appreciative they were; because they knew we weren’t down there doing some Hollywood message movie. That we were down there telling a true story about two of their own because Steve is one of their own as well, because he really brought some awareness to skid row. 

What did you learn from them?

ROBERT: They were really kind and they didn’t think our motives were sketchy.  I tried to return the favor and it was a very nice exchange.

There is an interesting message in the film – how far do you go to be your brother’s keeper?

ROBERT: Right. At what point does it go from being a service commitment into an ego trip, and at what point are you no longer helping someone by helping someone.   I think Steve doesn’t have much support in this area. He is very much on his own. I think that’s the heroes’ journey for Steve Lopez. How do you intuitively keep doing the right thing knowing you are not a fully formed healthy person yourself?