Robert Downey Jr: "I Have Zero Regard for What's Printed in a Script" 

You know why this interview works? Because the interviewer actually seems to be listening and let's RDJ talk. Great Job Sam! It's nice to actually have an interviewer listen and hold a real conversation that feels genuine.

Papers : I am the script RDJ : and I AM IRON MAN

"I don't read a script, script reads me"

This goes to prove, doesn't matter how awesome your job is, when you're doing it after many years, a large part of you just wants to go home and chill.

One of the things I like about RDJ is how he turned his life around and got straight with everything and no longer being his old self. He also is an example of being able to turn yourself around and keeping yourself away from toxic behaviors and/or habits as well that younger actors/actresses etc should pay attention to.

"-or it's just really hard and it's almost impossible to get it right, even one time, but so what, we only have to do it right once," is one of the simplest and most psychologically useful things I've heard an actor say.

Favreau deserves a medal. Can you imagine that first pitch? "You want to make what? With whom?"

It makes me happy that RDJ was able to get it together and overcome his past problems. He's become wise, kind, even more talented and is now a great role model, an asset to the human race. He's everything good about Tony Stark.

3000, man. 3000. Huge respect.

I had to replay this video twice to listen to the actual interview and understand what he’s talking about I was staring at his pretty face the first time and enjoying the way he speaks

Well, you kind of have to give Downey Jr the benefit of the doubt with that particular role, because he is essentially the Tony Stark of the actor's world right now.

RDJ isn't insulting writing. Story is very different from words put into an actors mouth in a scene, which, when you're in it might prompt something a script writer never thought of. Or, like in his case, you can be resistant to a script as a personal flaw and you make that flaw work for you. All actors are different in their process. Some actors can do the opposite and make even a bad script work. RDJ's a creative guy who thrives on the freedom to identify with and contribute to his character. His acting is remarkable, so he does it his way.

So nice when an Interviewer knows to JUST LISTEN and not interrupt

I got RDJ's videos recommended to me and *guess what* I am not mad

These are one of the few great Downey Jr. interviews. You are super relaxed around him and not intimated like a lot interviewers are honestly. Great stuff.

Translation: He feels more comfortable in improv, than strictly following the script. All he needs is a rough outline of the scene, and total movie, to frame his improv.

Lots of people saying he's arrogant. It's his process and it has obviously worked for him. His Iron Man movies has grossed over a billion dollars and he's the biggest reason why the Avenger movies are entertaining. Let the man do his thing...who are you to judge? He didn't say all actors should be like him - most would fail if they tried. He freely admits it's his own ego that makes him this way and he followed his instinct to improv. I don't think he's doing too bad for himself at the moment.

These interviews are always so good, great job Sam.

“Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the fuck you were gonna do anyway.” - Robert Downey Jr

Here is rare of footage of RDJ when he is not putting on the act of "Tony Stark" This is the real RDJ, the human. After Iron Man, it seems that he almost replaced himself with Tony Stark. same thing goes for Chris Evans, Chris Evans was nothing like Steve Rogers if anything, he was a fit for the Human torch, but now look at him, he changed too, he is a lot more shy and humble, less explosive and more of a down to earth guy. I can see the roles taking a toll on these actors, in a way, they killed themselves so these roles can come to life. much respect for RDJ.

why is this interview so underrated?its probably the best interview i ve heard in recent times tbh

Love him 3000.

His eyes are so damn pretty. I can't look away, that's okay tho, I don't want to.

Why he so fine? My mom fell in love with him in the 80's and she passed that on, he is ageless.

Anyone else been watching lots of RDJ videos since watching end game? :(

there is something in here that comes from a deeper level. iron is famous for not having a script (even JEff Bridges was nervous for not having a standard script.) The first film from a series of the MCU came from improvisation although it came from Favreu and others). Downey's concept comes from trusting a talented team. this was like watching the movie equivalent of Jazz.

I SO relate to his statement. Being on set during production is extremely tedious, and getting to go home early is such a relief. His comparing it to being in school is spot on. I played varsity baseball in high school and just loved it when games or practice got rained out. Getting to be a regular kid and going home with everyone else was like having a weight lifted off your shoulders.

“We only have to do it right once” What an encouraging perspective!

Comments: “So Arrogant!” Let’s see... Harrison Ford: “Hmm. Line says ‘I love you too.’ Nah, I think I’ll say something else to Carrie.”

he’s such an artist...

His improvisation is not disrespect or disregard for the script, and its not ego. There are other interviews where he describes the time and effort that he takes to learn his lines so that he has a firm grasp of each scene when he walks onto a set. I think what inspires him is the opportunity to push the limits of what is given to him and to everyone he works with. For some actors the challenge is to say the words as given as best they can. For actors like Downey, the challenge is to take what they are given and discover what it can become. Both ways are fine. Just different types of artists. I've been catching up on his movies lately and they are amazing. His performances are expressive and unpredictable. Just wondering about this too---which would be the better, more enjoyable set to work on? One where the writer or director expects that everyone else is there only to serve his or her vision, or one where everyone is open and welcome to contribute and create a shared vision?

It's nice to know everyone's process or mindset of getting work done is varied.

I could watch/look at him 24/7.... 😊😊❤

My god, this channel has the best interviews I've ever seen. Well done guys.

He's kinda the best actor & why acting was invented in the first place

Your a great interviewer. I watch a guy interview Robert Plant. Robert is a artist he needs to paint a picture to answer the question at hand. But the interviewer got lost many times and interrupted Robert, and Robert had to bring the interviewer back so he could finish his answer. It made me squirm. You allow the person to go and then you allow him to go even higher. Great job!

"I don't read the script, the script reads me" RDJ in Tropic Thunder. Art imitating life! Lol

Really enjoyed hearing his view point because I can completely relate. It's refreshing to find out I'm not the only one who feels this way.

"Innovate" RDJ's version of adlibbing

"I don't like being handed things"

I acted in a play once where the Stage Manager insisted that the play be "Word Perfect". We would even get emails at the end of the day listing all the words we got wrong. This was the most frustrating play I have ever done. I felt very constricted and wasn't able to really get into the character because I was always so focused on getting each and every word exactly perfect. Don't do this to your actors.

The growth from this interview to the more recent one is even more amazing

R has earned his maturity! Glad he made it to this place in his life.

I'm sure the screenwriters are so pleased to hear this

Basically I want to see RDJ monologue a chinese food take-out menu. I'd like to see it.

After I enjoyed 10 of your Videos. it's about time I sub ;)

Next to Hot Ones, this is my favorite interview show around. Keep up the great work, sir. =^)

I love Robert man more than 3,000...

So basically, he don't read the script, the script reads him? 🤔😂

Oh the stories I could tell. These are great interviews

Due date was (is) a surprisingly and jarringly deep and emotional movie that beautifully showed off the talents of both Robert and Zach. Much respect.

I got into acting recently, and he speaks FROM MY HEART. "Maybe it's my own ego and I come from a family of writers.." oh I do consider myself a writer and I hate being handed things too, I just like to do things my way and the need to improve on something is always there.

This dude is legit who he is on the big screen and that's why it works so well! Genuine as it gets.

I would love to see rdj react to riverdale's writing

Man he is so cool. I have a ton of respect for someone who had his own struggles and made it out on the bright side. He embodies a true never give up on yourself mentality...who started a franchise that is the biggest in film history...He is Ironman.

Saw your Ron Howard conversation tonight & was spellbound.

So let me get this right ... he doesn't like being a robot. It's kinda understandable.,

The dude has been filming as Tony Stark for a decade. He's just pretty much adopted the facial hair at this point, plus shooting.

Really good point about only having to do it right once. It's film, not the stage. People only see that one time.

i loved the last bit how he tries to be a good presence on set when things aren't going well he stays cool and calm for the youngsters.

Hey I'm new to the channel. Loving it so far! Is there full length videos or have they all been edited down for all the people with zero attention span? Lol but seriously!?

'I come from a family of writers, so I ignore the script'

This is NOT an interview, it is a cool, chilled, fun conversation.

Good interview

this interview should have more more views

Anyone here after seeing End Game?

Hes got to be a nightmare to work with.

I love this, it’s super candid and vulnerable but not apologetically so. It’s funny, I really love being on set just as he so obviously does. I’m in hierarchically a much lower position than RDJ, but I can definitely admit to wishing for an early wrap from getting rained out lol. Just not too often

He was such a spastic Cutey in his early roles, I miss that

What a legend

He seemed so happy and chilled here I hope he gets there again

How can anyone NOT like this guy? I feel bad for those folks who voted "Thumbs Down" on the vid. They must live miserable lives.

I kind of wish RDJ would work again with auteurs. The last one was Zodiac and Fincher utilizes Downey’s best traits as an actor (though they reportedly clashed) RDJ was at one point attached to PTAs Inherent Vice... i kind of hope they’ll still collaborate at some point. Also, Downey working with a script like Sorkin or Tarantino would instantly(i feel) get him an oscar. Doubt they’ll allow him or he’ll allow them to deviate from the script

Τhis man is such an inspiration to me.Him and S.Stalone. Cheers from Greece.

Top videos guys

Downey Jr is one of the best actors alive. Period. He actually impresses me in every movie he's ever done, even the few bad ones. I really think it's impossible for him to deliver a bad performance

I understand why some people may think he's arrogant for disregarding a screenwriters work, but it works for him. He embodies Iron Man, and hes so good that you cannot picture anyone else playing him. Improv works for a lot of actors, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey are well known for winging it, and some of their best work has been improvised.

I have so MUCH respect for this guy! Having battled his demons for so very long & coming out the other side with so much wisdom, empathy & dignity. I imagine he would be a VERY interesting guy to meet IRL. 👍

Anyone who is saying RDJ is arrogant for ignoring a script are not putting themselves in an actors shoes. Think about it, you show up to set everyday trying to nail the role both in how you see it and the director, a super well written script can be annoying like he says simply because it does not give the movie/project any breathing room, if the script is so good, it does not allow for as much creativity, not improv but creativity. The smaller nuances to a characters expression, demeanor and even lines all derive from some of the actors creativity and personality. Most of the greatest movies out their have key scenes that the script might have made harder to happen. A great actor aligns their vision of the character with the director wants, script and vibe of the movie, in effect putting their own small spin on the script. A white page is easier to create on than one thats filled already. The best part about this interview to me is the references to the fact that even in a job he loves greatly, its still hard to motivate yourself through the day, I think a lot of us have that same thought, "eventually they will let me go home today." Speaking and vocalizing that thought like this is something I needed to hear.

So what are his new movies now? Any coming out this year?

Well, I don't think many people have high regard for the writing or acting in 90% of the films RDJ is known for

Well...whatever he's doing, keep doing it, period.

RDJ is Tony Stark and Tony Stark is RDJ and for the next million years this is not gonna change.

I love RDJ but I don’t know how to feel about these comments. I’m a scriptwriter and the sheer amount of time that has gone into every word when it comes towards the final drafts is painstaking. But that’s also why the parenthesis is so crucial in outlining your story and getting your vision across. Dialogue is flexible and made to be toyed with. Just makes you wonder what the landscape would be if every actor/actress had this mindset, would we do away with scripted dialogue altogether? Would we have guide dialogue as opposed to rigorous text? It’s fascinating.

Im so glad that RDJ cleaned up and recovered, it would have been sad to lose him.

Thank You RDJ...Thank you 3000...for all you have given us...

man he was totally serious tho. he doesnt even read the script or its more like he reads it and then says the same basic lines in a diffrent way because he feels tony stark would say it that way. Its almost like he reads the script then says "hey tony stark wouldnt say this" and changes it. Like Christopher Lee changed his death in ep 3.

He probably will never work with Quentin lol

Legend 🐐

"tell us a little about...dr.Dolittle."lol

Iron Man wouldn’t he shit without RDJ he owned that character

Every video of Sam has "great interview, this how it works" like wow. Youre good at bringing people out.

You could literally put that outro music at the end of anything and make it sound uplifting

It's interesting to contrast this with his most recent appearance on the SAG-AFTRA roundtable, where he has said that he now prepares his dialogue exhaustively, knows the script inside-out, and expects everyone on set to do the same.

I love you Robert! I can relate.

This is like the new "inside the actor's studio"

I'm a huge Fan Of RDJ , he's so cool and funny. By the way, he's defenetly Not looking like 51 years !!

great guy

I often wonder if whether or not the scripts he's given just contain plot excerpts. "Tony realizes morgan just heard him swear and he frantically tries to convince her to not use the word."

I'm not sure if it's quite the same, but I feel similarly about work and school. I love it when something goes a little wrong, like an unexpected fire drill. I'm just in school, so I don't know how I would feel in a real work setting. I think I'm definitely tired of doing the same thing every day. I'm tired of doing what is expected of me. I am constantly barely passing my classes, not because I don't understand the material, but because I don't want to do it. I care more about what I'm not required to do. I'm fascinated in anatomy, so I'm taking that class next year, but I'll probably lose interest in it once I'm actually required to learn it. Not only that, but I'm always aware of death. It doesn't matter what I do, because at the end of it all, I'm dead and the story is over and that story will immediately lose meaning and purpose. People might remember me, but memory doesn't mean anything either. Variety, learning for the sake of learning, trying new things (even drugs) and immense feeling, whether that's great joy or overwhelming sadness or being in love, are all distractions. Because in the absence of routine, all we have are distractions.