As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled around the silver screen, I can confidently say that Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as Wayne Gale in “Natural Born Killers” is nothing short of extraordinary. The man has always been electric on-screen, but his portrayal of this complex character truly stands out.
Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers,” a film that stands out as one of the most intense, peculiar, and indelible movies from the past three decades, has its pros and cons. Often hailed as one of the top films from the ’90s, this movie, with its violent scenes and genre-blending characteristics, has earned cult classic status by depicting a twisted love story between two psychopathic individuals on a murder spree across the U.S., commonly known as the “lower 48.” This year marks the 30th anniversary of this film’s release, prompting me to revisit it after many years have passed.
In the 1994 classic film, although Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis as Mickey and Mallory Knox undeniably shine, I found myself particularly captivated by one character: Robert Downey Jr.’s Wayne Gale. This flamboyant news reporter with his boisterous Australian accent and grandiose persona brings such depth to the movie, enhancing its overall appeal. Let me expound on that.
Though The Performance Is Over The Top, There’s Also A Certain Subtly That’s Brilliant
The next time you’re watching “Natural Born Killers” on Netflix, a standout film, pay close attention to Wayne Gale when Robert Downey Jr.’s character is on screen. It can be challenging, but do your best to ignore the TV crime reporter’s dialogue and actions, instead focusing on his facial expressions. Similar to the intricate and subtle expressions displayed by RDJ’s face in the Iron Man suit within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are some truly remarkable nuances in Wayne Gale’s facial expressions that are well worth observing.
Absolutely, I’d argue that Downey’s role in “Natural Born Killers” is not only one of his most outrageous but also one of his finest performances from the ’90s. The prison interview scene during the iconic Super Bowl halftime show is a fantastic example of his acting prowess, showcasing a range of subtle expressions and gestures that truly bring the character to life. While his portrayal in “Oppenheimer” may be even more remarkable, Downey Jr. demonstrates his mastery of his craft in this film too.
Wayne’s Descent Into Madness Is Honestly Some Of RDJ’s Best Work
Throughout his career, Downey Jr. has played multiple characters who find themselves on a descent into madness, and Wayne Gale is one of the best examples of that. Look at Wayne the first time we meet him (about 22 minutes in) and the last time we see him after escaping the prison riot with Mickey and Mallory, and then compare the two.
Initially, I was neatly dressed and kept a cool demeanor, but there was an undercurrent of mystery about me. Fast-forward past the 90-minute mark, and let’s just say I transformed into a full-blown maniac, sporting a tie as a makeshift bandana and engaging in some intense conversations with my better half amidst chaos inside a prison. To top it off, there was a chilling sight: a fallen guard hanging limp from a pipe in the gruesome, wrecked bathroom – quite the vivid scene!
Even the way Downey portrays his character’s death scene is wildly unpredictable. His erratic movements, stumbling and flailing about after being shot by Mickey and Mallory, are pure chaos.
It’s Also Wild Seeing The MCU Hero Playing Such An Unhinged Character
We’ll soon be seeing a more villainous side of Downey Jr. when he starts playing Dr. Doom, but for years I was used to seeing him as the hero in some of the best Marvel movies. I mean, the guy pretty much helped the MCU get off the ground with his portrayal of Tony Stark in Iron Man back in 2008, a role he held down for more than a decade. This is to say that while I’m used to seeing RDJ play a jerk, I forgot how great he is as an unhinged lunatic.
Over the last decade and a half, Downey’s repertoire has primarily consisted of superhero movies, with notable exceptions like “Oppenheimer,” the Sherlock Holmes series, and some smaller projects. Revisiting his non-Iron Man roles is quite striking, and his performances in these films, including this one, are particularly captivating.
The Devilish Look On Gale’s Face At The End Of The Prison Interview Is The Stuff Of Wonder
Speaking as a devoted fan, the captivating prison interview sequence from “Natural Born Killers” remains one of my all-time favorites in ’90s cinema. The chilling monologue delivered by Woody Harrelson, coupled with his haunting expressions, is truly unforgettable. However, Oliver Stone’s clever use of varying camera angles and film types adds an intoxicating layer to the scene, leaving viewers feeling disoriented yet captivated. Yet, it’s the magnetic presence of Robert Downey Jr., who graces this scene, that makes it a truly unforgettable moment in cinematic history.
Indeed, I’d contend that Wayne’s reaction following Mickey’s memorable “I’m a natural born killer” line truly elevates the entire scene. The subtle curve of his lips into a smile, the lift of his mustache, the unspoken chuckle, and the quick glance back to check if his team captured it all, are all beautifully executed.
Gale’s Satirical Spin On ’90s Media Figures Really Drives Home The Point Of Natural Born Killers
One significant motif in this film revolves around the excessive sensationalism of news broadcasts during the late ’80s and early ’90s by media personnel. The character of Wayne Gale, who satirically portrays figures like Geraldo Rivera, effectively underscores this idea.
During the film, it seemed to me that Wayne was striving not just to deliver news but also to be involved in it. This is evident in the mentioned prison interview leading up to the riot. The reporter, who appears more self-serving than objective, seems to have overlooked principles like ethics, professionalism, and journalistic integrity – a phenomenon that appears to reflect the “if it bleeds, it leads” philosophy prevalent during that era.
At the film’s outset, prior to the climactic event, the unscrupulous presenter of the show “American Maniacs with Wayne Gale” is already seen acting exaggeratedly for the camera, attempting to portray himself positively, and intertwining fact and fiction.
I Know The 1994 Best Supporting Actor Race Was Stacked, But RDJ Should Have Been Included
Indeed, I’m not claiming that Downey Jr. deserved to win the Best Supporting Actor award at the 67th Academy Awards, although there could be compelling reasons for such a claim. However, his performance as Wayne Gale was certainly worthy of being considered among the nominees.
1994 was the year Martin Landau (from “Ed Wood”) won the award over Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction”), Chazz Palminteri (“Bullets Over Broadway”), Paul Scofield (“Quiz Show”), and Gary Sinise (“Forrest Gump”). Robert Downey Jr. could have taken the place of Palminteri or Scofield, despite their exceptional performances. In all fairness, it’s a shame that Jackson didn’t win that year, as he deserved the victory.
Without a doubt, the argument between Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino about “Natural Born Killers” is well-known. However, one point we can all agree on is that Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Wayne Gale was exceptional, making me extremely grateful for revisiting this groundbreaking and thought-provoking cult classic.
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2024-08-25 18:07