Tropic Thunder

Many people expected Robrt Downey Jr in 'blackface' to be the most controversial aspect of Tropic Thunder, which has just opened in the USA. However the film has been hit by protests from disability rights group over the film within a film 'Simple Jack'. This sub plot relates to the Ben Stiller character's previous film, a shameless oscar grab in which he plays 'a retarded man who believes he can speak to the animals'. Clearly a spoof of such films as I am Sam and Rainman, people have taken offence at what they see as poking fun at the disabled, although it seems clear the joke is at the expense of actors who take on such roles.

Dreamworks have indicated they will not alter the film, but have pulled some marketing, with the spoof website advertising Simple Jack having disappeared.