The renowned actor Robert Downey Jr. has moved the film industry by expressing his deep gratitude to director Christopher Nolan for having offered him a role in Oppenheimer (95%) , thanks to which he is now nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category. of Distribution. In his emotional statement, Downey revealed that the opportunity to work with Nolan came at a crucial time in his career, when he needed someone to glimpse a future for him that he couldn't see himself.
Downey, who has been nominated for an Oscar three times and is an undisputed box office star, shared how it felt to receive the offer to play Lewis Strauss, J. Robert Oppenheimer's main antagonist in the film. According to the actor, Nolan's invitation meant much more than just a role in a movie; He represented a new direction and renewed hope in his career (via Yahoo! News ):
I was at a point in my life and career where I needed someone to have a vision of what was possible for me that I couldn't see for myself.
The actor shared details about the moment he received the call to meet Nolan at his home, describing it as an exciting moment in his career. Jokes aside, Downey admitted that he felt nervous while he read the script at the director's house, humorously speculating that Nolan might be looking at him through the paintings with eyes on them.
For his part, Nolan revealed that he prefers not to be present when people read his scripts, as he had a stressful experience watching his wife, Emma Thomas , read the Memento script (92%) with confusion. Instead, Nolan often goes for walks or visits places like the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin while he waits for feedback on the script.
Downey's statement demonstrates the deep connection between director and actor, as well as the significant impact that a film role can have on the career of an established actor like Downey. With Oppenheimer on track to become one of the most awarded films of the year, Downey's gratitude to Nolan only increases the anticipation for the upcoming Oscars.