Retro Film Review: Tropic Thunder (2008)

The prominent German military leader Moltke famously stated that even the most brilliantly devised plans never survive their first contact with reality. This saying is hard to forget for anyone who follows modern Hollywood, given the plethora of films that appear to be excellent ideas on paper (and in trailers) but fail to deliver as finished products. One example is Tropic Thunder, a film intended to be a hilarious Hollywood self-parody that satirises the excesses of the American dream factory in an unprecedentedly candid manner.

The film's plot is set in Southeast Asia, where a lavish Hollywood adaptation of Tropic Thunder, a bestselling book about Vietnam War, is being filmed. It features a diverse cast, including fading action star Tug Speedman (played by Ben Stiller), multiple Oscar-winner and method actor Kirk Lazarus (played by Robert Downey Kr.), vulgar comedian and drug addict Jeff Portnoy (played by John Black), and rap artist Alpa Chino (played by Brandon T. Jackson). While the stars differ greatly, they share a common trait: they are arrogant divas driving inexperienced director Damien Cockburn (played by Steve Coogan) to the edge of sanity.

Under pressure from studio executive Les Grossman (played by Cruise), Damien decides to shoot the film "guerrilla style"—sending the actors into a jungle rigged with pyrotechnics and hidden cameras, where they are expected to improvise their roles. The plan goes catastrophically wrong when it turns out that the jungle is under the control of an actual heroin-smuggling gang, yet the actors remain oblivious, convinced they are still filming.

Lead actor, co-writer, and director Stiller is one of Hollywood's best-connected insiders and possesses a talent for lampooning show business, as evidenced by his critique of the fashion world in Zoolander. When various internal jokes about Hollywood royalty are combined with an "R" rating—allowing for less restraint from censorship—Tropic Thunder had ample potential for top-notch satire. Stiller showed bravery by allowing Downey Jr. to portray a white actor playing a black character—a risky breach of unwritten rules regarding political correctness.

However, much of this potential was largely spent at the beginning when viewers—especially those familiar with Hollywood—are immensely entertained by the satirical jabs at arrogant action stars and Oscar-winning actors like Daniel Day-Lewis or late comedian Chris Farley. Perhaps the most amusing aspect is the parody of Coppola and his Apocalypse Now, one of the most overrated works in history of cinema.

Yet, it quickly becomes apparent that the film has exhausted its most effective satirical ammunition early on. The uproarious parody shifts into a far more traditional and predictable action-comedy where actors must become the superheroes they portray on screen. This leads to significant issues regarding the script's balance between humour and explicit violence, raising questions about how funny a film can be when blood spurts, guts spill, and heads fly. Some filmmakers manage this well, but Stiller and his crew are not Tarantino.

An even greater issue is that Tropic Thunder is at least fifteen minutes too long for a comedy of this type. The casting also leaves much to be desired. While Stiller performs adequately, Black is unusually subdued (and appropriately so for such a film), and Downey excels in his multifaceted role; many actors are wasted in unnecessary parts—especially Matthew McConaughey as Tugg’s friend and agent. The same can be said for Nick Nolte as original book’s author and even Tom Cruise, whose character appears in at least one scene too many.

The impression left by Tropic Thunder could have been significantly better if the expectations been little lowered. However, given such an extensive promotional campaign and the creators' reputation, it was difficult to avoid yet another Hollywood disappointment.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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