The 2008 satirical film starred Robert Downey Jr. as a Method actor who dons blackface to play a Vietnam War soldier.

Ben Stiller is doubtful that his 2008 satirical comedy “Tropic Thunder” could get made today. The film, which centers on a group of egotistical actors making a Vietnam War movie, grossed nearly $200 million worldwide and picked up an Oscar nomination for supporting actor thanks to Robert Downey Jr.

It was more than dicey, to say the very least. The Reality Bites director seems to be coming to terms with the idea that not even the "right storyline" and "angle" can hold up anything that has much deeper weight to it. The honesty of his statement is nice to hear, and I’m glad he is this open about such a controversial piece of his work.