Robert De Niro, recognized for his legendary performances in classics like “Mean Streets” and “Taxi Driver,” has recently taken a more controversial turn in his film choices, becoming involved in movies criticised for their crude humor and questionable content. The discussion around Robert De Niro controversial film roles intensified with films such as “Dirty Grandpa” and “The Comedian,” prompting fans and critics to question what kind of boundaries the actor sets for himself when it comes to comedic material.
Changing Standards: From Iconic Roles to Criticized Comedies
In the earlier days of his career, De Niro was known for his work in respected films like “The Godfather Part II” and “Taxi Driver,” cementing his reputation as a leading actor in serious, dramatic cinema. However, his appearance in the film “Dirty Grandpa” drew widespread criticism, as the comedy featured an abundance of uncomfortable jokes, casting De Niro in a light many considered unbecoming compared to his acclaimed body of work. The inclusion of explicit humor and controversial gags in “Dirty Grandpa” has left audiences and reviewers alike questioning his decision to take such a role, especially given his previous selectiveness in film projects.
A Disputed Approach in The Comedian
Interestingly, despite the risqué nature of “Dirty Grandpa,” De Niro reportedly pushed back on certain jokes in “The Comedian,” a movie directed by Taylor Hackford. Though he initially expressed interest in the project, telling The New York Times,
“That excited me. You get one scene, and you want to do the whole movie,”
— Robert De Niro, Actor — he grew uneasy as the film progressed. The script was co-developed with contributions from renowned stand-up comedian Jeff Ross, known for his boundary-pushing roast comedy, but even with the intention to add comedic expertise, the final result did not live up to expectations.
Screenwriter Art Linson revealed that De Niro struggled with particular comedic tones, saying,
“It was not his cup of tea,”
— Art Linson, Screenwriter — echoing the sentiment that not all material sat well with the actor. Linson added,
“This doesn’t take anything away from Jeff or how funny he is, but there’s a certain attitude that Bob never felt comfortable with.”
— Art Linson, Screenwriter. The contrast in De Niro’s comfort level between the jokes in “Dirty Grandpa” and those offered by Ross in “The Comedian” perplexed collaborators and fans alike, as some viewed the rejected jokes as no more outrageous than what appeared in his previous comedy roles.
Comparing Creative Collaborators and Outcomes
“The Comedian” suffered from setbacks before production began, with early plans to have acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese direct—an idea that many believed could have dramatically altered the film’s overall impact. However, as the direction changed hands to Taylor Hackford, and with De Niro requesting specific jokes be dropped, the movie quickly lost the potential spark that might have made it stand out. Even with input from Jeff Ross, whose specialty in comedic roasting could have added edge, the end result was met with a lukewarm response, overshadowed by debates about what content was deemed acceptable by the lead actor.
The creative team admitted their efforts to tailor the script for De Niro’s sensibilities did little to prevent the film from being poorly received. The irony was not lost on critics, as they pointed out that while “Dirty Grandpa” featured jokes many found offensive or in questionable taste—including those with racial and homophobic undertones—De Niro was willing to participate, but took issue with other material presented during “The Comedian.”
Lasting Impact on De Niro’s Career and Reputation
Both “Dirty Grandpa” and “The Comedian” are frequently cited as low points in De Niro’s career, tarnishing his reputation as an established Hollywood figure. The choices made during this period led to public speculation about the actor’s decision-making process and how financial or creative motivations played a role in his more recent filmography. Over time, though, De Niro’s project selection appeared to improve, with notable performances in
“The Killers of the Flower Moon”
and “The Alto Knights,” which set themselves apart from the negativity associated with prior comedies.
The ongoing analysis of Robert De Niro controversial film roles continues to spark conversation among fans, writers, and fellow actors, reflecting a lingering uncertainty over what kind of boundaries A-list stars draw when it comes to humor, taste, and legacy in the film industry.
