Norbit «2025-2027»

While critics saw a vulgar, offensive mess, the internet saw a goldmine. Norbit is arguably the most quotable and meme-able Eddie Murphy movie since Coming to America.

In the age of irony, Norbit is the perfect film. You don't watch it sincerely; you watch it to quote it. You don't defend its politics; you defend its audacity.

For a real paper, you would cite:

Released in 2007, remains one of the most polarizing entries in Eddie Murphy's filmography. While critics largely panned it as a "cesspool of tasteless crassness," it was a commercial success that grossed nearly $160 million and earned an Academy Award nomination for its makeup. 🎭 The Triple Performance

Eddie Murphy utilizes his signature multi-character approach, playing three distinct roles:

Norbit Albert Rice: A mild-mannered, "ingenue" orphan who is highly intelligent but socially timid.

Rasputia Latimore: Norbit’s overbearing, physically abusive, and gluttonous wife.

Mr. Wong: Norbit’s cynical, racist Chinese-American adoptive father. ⚖️ Critical vs. Audience Reception

The film is a textbook example of a "critic-proof" movie, where professional reviews and public enjoyment diverged sharply. The Case Against (Critics) Norbit - Movies - Review - The New York Times

Throwback to 2007!

Who else remembers the hilarious movie #Norbit starring Eddie Murphy?

In this comedy classic, Eddie Murphy plays Norbit, a nerdy and awkward man who was raised by his grandparents (played by Richard Dreyfuss and Cloris Leachman) after being abandoned by his parents.

As an adult, Norbit falls in love with a beautiful woman named Rasputia (also played by Eddie Murphy), who turns out to be super mean and controlling.

But things get even crazier when Norbit's childhood sweetheart, Astrid (played by Thandie Newton), comes back into his life and helps him to see Rasputia for who she really is.

This movie is full of laugh-out-loud moments, and Eddie Murphy's multiple roles are pure comedic genius!

So, who's ready for a nostalgic movie night with #Norbit?

Let me know in the comments if you have a favorite scene or quote from the movie!

While the final version of the 2007 film Norbit is known for its slapstick humor and exaggerated characters, the original draft content was significantly more intense. Darker Tone and Draft Details

Early versions of the script were notably darker than the final comedy.

Severe Abuse: Actress Thandie Newton revealed that in the first draft she read, Rasputia’s treatment of Norbit was much more abusive and less "comedic" than what appeared on screen.

Script Origin: Eddie Murphy conceived the story after seeing internet videos of domestic disputes, which he initially found humorous but eventually evolved into the film's premise. Norbit

Draft Scenes: Some early draft outlines included a heavy focus on Norbit's early life at the orphanage, with specific scenes detailing "child labor concerns" played with a dark humorous twist. 🎭 Character & Production Drafts

Rasputia’s Design: The physical "draft" of the character involved a 34 kg (approx. 75 lb) fat suit. While the character claims to weigh 165 lbs in the film, the production designed her to appear closer to 350 lbs.

Face Replacement: In draft/test footage and complex scenes, Murphy used a stand-in whose face was later digitally replaced with his own using early CGI face-mapping.

Makeup Drafts: It took roughly 3 hours to apply the makeup for Rasputia and 2.5 hours for the character Mr. Wong for every day of filming. 🏛️ Norbit Technical "Draft" (Company)

If you were referring to the NORBIT technology company rather than the movie, "draft" usually refers to the water depth required for their sonar equipment:

Vessel Draft: The NORBIT WINGHEAD sonar system is often used on vessels with a 2.0-meter draft.

Installation Draft: Technical manuals recommend the sonar be immersed at least 0.7m below the waterline to avoid bubbles and turbulence. Trivia - Norbit (2007) - IMDb

Plot

The movie revolves around Norbit Ryan (played by Eddie Murphy), a man who was severely bullied as a child due to his obesity. To cope with his difficult life, Norbit creates an alternate personality named Rasputia, a large, intimidating, and foul-mouthed woman. As an adult, Norbit meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman named Nora (played by Thandie Newton). They get married and start a happy life together.

However, their happiness is disrupted when Rasputia, Norbit's childhood bully, returns to wreak havoc on their lives. Rasputia (also played by Eddie Murphy) is a huge, dominating, and obnoxious woman who terrorizes Norbit and Nora.

Main Characters

Themes

Reception

The movie received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

Awards and Nominations

Impact

While the movie received mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic and is often referenced in popular culture.

Would you like to know more about the making of the movie or its cultural impact?

To "put together a paper" on , you could be referring to a critical analysis of the 2007 Eddie Murphy film or a technical report on the hydrographic technology company.

Below are outlines for both perspectives to help you structure your work. Option 1: Film Analysis (The 2007 Movie) While critics saw a vulgar, offensive mess, the

This paper would focus on the cultural impact, comedic style, and controversies surrounding the film directed by Brian Robbins. Introduction : Briefly introduce

(2007) as a comedy where Eddie Murphy plays multiple roles, including the protagonist Norbit Rice and the antagonist Rasputia Latimore. Plot Overview

: Summarize the story of a shy orphan bullied into marriage by the domineering Rasputia, only to find a second chance at love with his childhood crush, Kate. Thematic Analysis The "Everyman" Struggle

: Norbit’s journey from a submissive husband to finding his own voice. Comedy vs. Controversy

: Discuss critics' views on the film's reliance on "crude, sexist, and racist humor" and its portrayal of body image. Technical Achievements

: Highlight the makeup and prosthetic work required to transform Murphy into his various characters. Conclusion

: Reflect on the film's legacy—it was a commercial success despite poor critical reception. Option 2: Technical/Business Paper (NORBIT ASA)

This paper would focus on the global technology company that specializes in high-end sonar and subsea systems.

The Enduring Legacy of Norbit: A Look Back at the 2007 Comedy Classic

It's been over 15 years since the comedy film "Norbit" burst onto the scene, starring Eddie Murphy in a triple-threat performance that showcased his impressive range as an actor. Directed by Brian Robbins and written by Charlie Shyer and Will Reiser, "Norbit" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and cementing Eddie Murphy's status as a comedy legend.

The Plot

For those who may need a refresher, "Norbit" tells the story of Norbit Wise (played by Eddie Murphy), a mild-mannered and awkward accountant who lives in the projects with his friends and adoptive family, Rasputia (played by Eddie Murphy), a brutish and overbearing woman, and her three children. Norbit's life is turned upside down when his childhood sweetheart, Nora (played by Thandie Newton), returns to town with her two children, and Norbit finds himself torn between his old flame and his current, albeit unhappy, marriage.

The movie's plot is a clever vehicle for Eddie Murphy's comedic talents, allowing him to play not one, not two, but three distinct characters: Norbit, Rasputia, and Nordberg, a Nordic-accented, macho ladies' man who is Norbit's business partner. Murphy's impressive vocal range and physical comedy skills are on full display as he effortlessly switches between characters, often in the same scene.

The Cast

The cast of "Norbit" is a talented ensemble that brings to life the colorful characters of the movie. Thandie Newton shines as Nora, Norbit's childhood sweetheart, bringing a warmth and likability to the role. The chemistry between Murphy and Newton is undeniable, and their romance is a central plot point that adds heart to the movie.

The supporting cast, including Kevin McNally, Mark Knobel, and Will Arnett, add to the comedic chaos, but it's Eddie Murphy who is the clear star of the show. His commitment to the characters and his impressive comedic timing make "Norbit" a laugh-out-loud funny movie that has aged surprisingly well.

The Legacy

So, what's the legacy of "Norbit"? For one, the movie cemented Eddie Murphy's status as a comedy legend. At the time of the movie's release, Murphy was already an established star, thanks to hits like "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Nutty Professor," but "Norbit" showcased his incredible range and versatility as a comedic actor.

The movie also spawned a new generation of comedians who cite Eddie Murphy as an inspiration. The film's blend of physical comedy, witty one-liners, and over-the-top characters has influenced a range of comedians, from Kevin Hart to Tiffany Haddish.

In addition, "Norbit" has become a cult classic, with fans continuing to quote lines and reference characters from the movie. The film's themes of identity, family, and love are timeless, and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships continues to resonate with audiences. In the age of irony, Norbit is the perfect film

Impact on Pop Culture

The impact of "Norbit" on pop culture is undeniable. The movie's memorable characters, quotes, and scenes have become ingrained in our collective consciousness. Who can forget Rasputia's infamous "You got a lot of nerve coming here" monologue, or Norbit's hilarious encounters with his business partner, Nordberg?

The movie's influence can be seen in everything from TV shows like "Saturday Night Live" to films like "The Hangover" and "Bridesmaids." The movie's blend of raunchy humor, physical comedy, and heart has become a hallmark of modern comedies.

Critical Reception

At the time of its release, "Norbit" received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Eddie Murphy's impressive performance. The movie holds a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising Murphy's impressive range and comedic timing.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the movie 3.5 out of 4 stars, praising Murphy's performance and the movie's " consistently funny" humor. Similarly, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone praised the movie's " infectious laughter" and Murphy's " bravura performance."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Norbit" is a comedy classic that continues to endure 15 years after its release. With its talented cast, clever plot, and memorable characters, the movie has become a staple of modern comedy. Eddie Murphy's impressive performance, which showcases his incredible range and comedic timing, is the highlight of the movie.

The legacy of "Norbit" can be seen in everything from pop culture references to the influence it has had on a new generation of comedians. The movie's themes of identity, family, and love are timeless, and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships continues to resonate with audiences.

So, if you're looking for a laugh-out-loud funny movie that will leave you smiling, look no further than "Norbit." With its talented cast, clever plot, and memorable characters, it's a comedy classic that continues to endure.

The legend of Norbit took its most dramatic turn in February 2008. Eddie Murphy was considered the frontrunner to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his devastatingly dramatic turn in Dreamgirls. He had won the Golden Globe, the SAG Award, and the Critics' Choice Award.

Then, the Academy voters watched Norbit.

Norbit was released during the voting period. The narrative is undisputed: the visual of Eddie Murphy in a fat suit, playing the crass, vomit-inducing Rasputia, was so fresh in the minds of older, conservative Academy members that they could not take his serious performance seriously. Murphy lost the Oscar to Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine). In Hollywood history, no single movie has ever torpedoed an actor’s Oscar chances quite like Norbit torpedoed Eddie Murphy’s.

Here is the secret that gets lost in the critical hate: Norbit was a commercial hit. Produced on a budget of $60 million, it grossed over $159 million worldwide. Opening weekend, it dethroned Hannibal Rising.

Why? Because audiences in 2007 wanted lowbrow, unpretentious comedy. They wanted to see Eddie Murphy do what he does best: disappear into a role. The disconnect between the critics (9%) and the audience (53% on RT) is massive. It wasn't a huge hit, but it was profitable enough that the studio didn’t regret it. That is, until...

Norbit is a 2007 comedy film directed by Brian Robbins and starring Eddie Murphy in multiple roles. The story follows Norbit Albert Rice, a timid, orphaned man married to the overbearing and manipulative Rasputia Latimore. After reconnecting with his childhood sweetheart, Kate, Norbit confronts the emotional and comedic chaos of his marriage while seeking the courage to reclaim his life.

| Theme | Description | Examples from Film | |-------|-------------|--------------------| | The “Magical Negro” trope | Subverted? Perpetuated? | The orphanage owner (Eddie Murphy in makeup) who offers wisdom. | | Fatphobia & gender | Rasputia as villainous, grotesque, controlling. | Physical humor: breaking furniture, loud eating, violent outbursts. | | Colorism | Light-skinned Kate vs. dark-skinned Rasputia. | Moral alignment: good = thin/light, bad = fat/dark. | | Cross-racial performance | Eddie Murphy in Asian (Mr. Wong) & Black (Rasputia) makeup. | Historical link to minstrelsy and racial masquerade. |

On its surface, Norbit follows a classic, almost fairy-tale structure. The titular character, Norbit Albert Rice (Eddie Murphy), is a meek, perpetually downtrodden doormat of a man. As a child, he was left at the "Golden Wonton" restaurant/orphanage run by the gruff yet paternal Mr. Wong (Eddie Murphy again, under even more makeup).

Norbit’s life takes a tragic turn when he is forcibly "adopted" by the monstrous Rasputia (Murphy in a groundbreaking fat suit). Fast forward to adulthood: Norbit is married to the abusive, domineering, and wildly sexual Rasputia. He works a dead-end job as a construction site accountant, and his spirit is crushed.

Enter the Deus ex Machina: Kate Thomas (Thandie Newton), his sweet, smart childhood sweetheart. Kate returns to town to save the local orphanage (the Golden Wonton) from a sleazy land developer, Deion Hughes (Cuba Gooding Jr., leaning into the smarm). The plot kicks in: Norbit must find the courage to leave Rasputia, help Kate save the orphanage, and win back the love of his life.

It’s a simple story about reclaiming one’s manhood and escaping an abusive relationship. The problem, as critics noted, is that the background scenery—specifically Rasputia—is so loud, so large, and so outrageous that it nearly destroys the frame.