The Sr. trailer reveals Robert Downey Jr.'s Netflix documentary about his late father. While the world is well-acquainted with Downey Jr. through his roles as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Sherlock Holmes, and more, many are not familiar with the man whose name he carries, Robert Downey Sr., who was also an actor. However, he was best known for being an accomplished countercultural filmmaker, including writing and directing the 1969 underground film Putney Swope. Downey Sr. passed away in July 2021 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, but for the last three years of his life, Downey Jr. had been filming a documentary about his father.

Now, over a year after Downey Sr.’s death, Netflix has released the first trailer for the documentary, titled Sr. The film, first and foremost, is about Downey Jr.'s relationship with his father, while also chronicling Downey Sr.’s entire life and work, including the final days leading up to his death. It also features a number of notable figures who have assembled to honor Downey Sr. Watch the trailer below:

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Robert Downey Sr.'s Hollywood Legacy Explained

Robert Downey Sr. as Burt in Boogie Nights

Downey Sr. was a renowned underground filmmaker who rose to prominence during the 1960s with films like Putney Swope, an uncompromising satire of everything from the Madison Avenue advertising world, portrayal of race in Hollywood films, and the nature of corporate corruption. Putney Swope has been cited as a major influence by many filmmakers, including Paul Thomas Anderson, who appears in the Sr. documentary. The Netflix film also features appearances from Oscar winner Alan Arkin and the legendary Norman Lear to opine on Downey Sr.'s incredible, yet lesser-known legacy.

With many films after Putney Swope, Downey Sr. continued setting the standard for anti-establishment and counter-cultural comedy. Throughout the 1970s, Downey Sr. didn't stop making independent films on shoestring budgets in keeping with the underground tradition. Downey Sr.'s works, along with his rebellious spirit itself, is credited with inspiring decades of independent counter-cultural filmmaking, including Jim Jarmusch's movies and to a lesser extent, the aforementioned Anderson.

Sr. Is A Worthy Tribute To Robert Downey Sr.

robert downey sr and junior

Based on the new Sr. trailer, the upcoming Netflix documentary appears to be a fitting tribute to Downey Sr.'s life and his career as a maverick filmmaker. While the film primarily examines the intimate yet complicated relationship between the two Downeys, the documentary will also look to honor its subject's outlaw outlook on life, which inspired generations of indie filmmakers to come. The result should be an emotional and insightful experience when Sr. releases December 2 on Netflix.

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Source: Netflix