Iron Man

About Iron Man

Iron Man is a 2008 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In the plot, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and owner of Stark Industries, a major military contracting company he inherited from his father, is kidnapped after presenting his latest weapon. His captors demand that he build them one of his latest weapons. But Tony builds a suit of armor instead and escapes. Back at home, he decides to use his technology to fight those who threaten peace.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Jon Favreau with a screenplay by Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway. Iron Man was Marvel Studios' first self-financed movie, which was distributed by Paramount Pictures. Kevin Feige was the film’s producer.

Actors

• Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man: Downey was cast perfectly for his quick wit and ability to layer a character's persona with vulnerability and confidence.
• Terrence Howard as James Rhodes: Howard played Stark's best friend and military liaison, providing a grounded perspective to Stark’s eccentricity.
• Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane / Iron Monger: Bridges played the mentor turned antagonist, delivering a compelling performance.
• Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts: Paltrow played the loyal assistant to Stark, her character grounding and humanizing the fantastical elements of the story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The filmmakers studied a variety of modern technological corporations, particularly Apple, in order to reflect that aesthetic for Stark Industries.
• Robert Downey Jr. kept food hidden all over the lab set and, apparently, nobody could find where it was, so they just let him continue doing it, thus creating the on-screen habit of Stark eating in many scenes.
• This film marks the first appearance of Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) who later becomes one of the main characters in the MCU.

Awards

For its engaging storytelling, state-of-the-art special effects and performances, Iron Man was nominated for numerous awards including two Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing and Best Visual Effects.

Quotes

• "I am Iron Man." - Tony Stark
• "Is it better to be feared or respected? I say, is it too much to ask for both?" - Tony Stark
• "Well, you can forget it. I am Iron Man. The suit and I are one." - Tony Stark

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack includes twelve tracks from rock bands and two additional score pieces by composer Ramin Djawadi.
• AC/DC’s song “Back in Black” is used in Iron Man’s first scene.
• The end credits song is “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath.