Oliver Stone, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the controversial movie "Natural Born Killers," seems to have some strong opinions about the film and one of its stars, Robert Downey Jr. In a recent interview with Esquire, Stone expressed his dissatisfaction with Downey’s performance in the film, going as far as to say that the actor was "ruining" the movie.
"Natural Born Killers" was released in 1994 and was met with both praise and criticism for its brutal depiction of violence. The film, starring Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, was a highly controversial project that sparked real-life copycat crimes.
According to Stone, Downey’s portrayal of journalist Wayne Gale was not up to par, with the filmmaker describing it as "slapstick bulls***." Stone reportedly even confronted Downey on set, telling him that he was ruining the movie with his performance.
Despite Stone’s harsh critique, it’s worth noting that Downey’s portrayal of Gale as a bombastic and fame-hungry character was memorable in its own right. Downey, who has since become a Hollywood A-lister and recently won his first Oscar for "Oppenheimer," may not be too bothered by Stone’s comments.
As "Natural Born Killers" approaches its 30th anniversary, it seems like Stone is still harboring some resentment towards the film and Downey’s performance. However, with Downey’s continued success in the industry, it might be time for Stone to let go of his grievances and focus on his future projects.
Overall, it’s clear that "Natural Born Killers" continues to be a divisive and thought-provoking film that remains a significant part of both Stone and Downey’s careers.
