I like Robert Downey, Jr. as an actor. He has more than enough charisma to excel as both Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes, and he brings effortless polish to all of his roles. Off−camera, he seems like a decent guy: He overcame alcoholism, stays classy in public and charms the press. He struggled with personal issues in the past, but he is a changed man — and Hollywood loves a comeback.
Last Friday, Downey received the 25th American Cinematheque Award for his acclaimed work in motion pictures. The gala was held in Beverly Hills, and many celebrities were there, including Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Foster and the desperate Mel Gibson.
Gibson actually presented the award to Downey, Jr. — the two are close friends — and then, instead of blandly thanking half of Los Angeles as most celebrities do when winning an award, Downey used the opportunity to ask the American public to forgive Gibson. Downey said to the crowd, "Unless you are without sin … you should forgive him and let him work."
Initially, I rolled my eyes when I saw the headline. Why should I forgive the anti−Semitic, homophobic, racist and abusive guy who is best known for playing Martin Riggs in the "Lethal Weapon" series? But Robert Downey, Jr. is right about one thing: We should all forgive Mel Gibson for the things he has said and done in the past.
Gibson has certainly suffered. Some of you may not know that earlier this year he tried to revive his career with a film called "The Beaver" (2011). Gibson plays the main character, a failed father, husband and CEO of a toy company who develops an alternative personality he channels through a beaver hand−puppet to cope with his struggles. Reread that synopsis. Now, read it again. That may actually be the dumbest plot summary ever.
I never saw "The Beaver," but I remember getting a migraine just watching the trailer. The film had a production budget of $21 million and domestically earned less than $1 million at the box office. Gibson's other famous friend, Jodie Foster, directed the movie and played the role of his wife, but the verdict was clear: People do not want to see a Mel Gibson movie. He has found ways to alienate just about everybody.
And for this reason, I am willing to listen to what Robert Downey, Jr. is saying. I am willing to forgive him. The man lost his family, his career and just about all of his dignity. He said some of the most ignorant things possible and attacked multiple minority groups, but we should be the bigger people and forgive.
To the second part of Downey's plea about letting him work, however, I personally want Mel Gibson to know that if he were in a movie with Ryan Gosling — my favorite actor — and Michael Mann — my favorite director — I still would not pay one cent to support the revitalization of his career. There is a huge difference between forgiveness and respect.
Although I consider myself atheist, my family is Jewish, and I will never, ever respect the man who once said, "F−−−−−g Jews … the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." My advice to Mr. Gibson is to find a new career that is not reliant on ticket sales and public support. Plus, if "The Beaver" is the best he can come up with, he is really doing all of us a favor.
Actually, Hollywood does not love a comeback. Hollywood only loves a comeback if you drink yourself into a stupor or snort enough cocaine to satisfy Tony Montana and Michael Bolton. But if you verbally abuse enough people, you're just an idiot. At that point, not even Iron Man can save you.
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Jordan Teicher is a senior majoring in English. He can be reached at Jordan.Teicher@tufts.edu.
