Robert Downey Jr.’s Strangest Role: This 2005 Comedy with 62% on Rotten Tomatoes

Game 6, released in 2005, is an unconventional comedy featuring an ensemble cast including Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara, and Bebe Neuwirth, but perhaps most notably, Robert Downey Jr. The film is set against the backdrop of the iconic 1986 Baseball World Series, a significant event that often slips under the radar in discussions of Downey Jr.’s cinematic achievements apart from his Marvel roles. With a storyline that intertwines historical events with fictional narrative, the film delves into themes of anxiety and the fear of failure, capturing a unique era in sports history. However, discovering it on streaming platforms can prove challenging, adding to its obscurity.

Directed by Michael Hoffman, this independent film was produced on a shoestring budget, yet it strives to build suspense throughout its unfolding events. Unfortunately, Game 6 faced stiff competition upon its release, which negatively impacted its reception and visibility. Given the hurdles the project encountered during production, its existence is a noteworthy achievement that deserves attention for those interested in overlooked cinematic works.

Overview of Game 6: Don DeLillo’s Unique Script

Symbolism in Game 6

At its core, Game 6 follows the story of Nicky Rogan, a playwright whose new show launches on the pivotal night of the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. As a dedicated fan of the American League, Rogan finds himself prioritizing the game over his theatrical ambitions, particularly when complications arise due to the lead actor’s unexpected illness. Meanwhile, renowned theater critic Steven Schwimmer (played by Robert Downey Jr.) anticipates reviewing Rogan’s production.

This narrative serves as a comedic exploration of failure and fandom.DeLillo’s screenplay skillfully interweaves disparate ideas into a cohesive whole that, while seemingly chaotic, proves effective. Audience members familiar with the outcome of the game might perceive the plot as predictable; however, the richness of Rogan’s journey—characterized by mundane small talk and moments caught in traffic—invites viewers to delve deeper into his psyche. Despite the narrative’s slower moments, the film maintains engagement through its compelling performances, vividly drawing viewers into Rogan’s world.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Character in Game 6

The Eccentric Steven Schwimmer

Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr.in Game 6 — Michael Keaton aims a weapon at Robert Downey Jr.in Game 6. Kindred Media Group

In Game 6, Robert Downey Jr.portrays the “Phantom of Broadway, ”a character so unpopular that he must don a disguise when attending performances. Although his screen time is limited, Downey Jr.makes a lasting impression by conveying the anguish of a creative mind. His eccentric appearance, notably characterized by a hairstyle reminiscent of Doc Brown from Back to the Future, adds to the character’s uniqueness. Schwimmer’s introduction features him engaged in guided meditation, a choice that mirrors Downey Jr.’s journey toward sobriety and personal growth.

Main Actor	Character
Michael Keaton	Nicky Rogan
Robert Downey Jr.	Steven Schwimmer
Griffin Dunne	Elliott Litvak
Tom Alderedge	Michael Rogan
Catherine O’Hara	Lillian Rogan
Yes Graynor	Laurel Rogan
Bebe Neuwirth	Joanna Bourne
Shalom Harlow	Paisley Porter
Roger Rees	Jack Haskins
Harris Yulin	Peter Redmond
Neal Jones	Yessiree Bob

The casting of Robert Downey Jr.marked a significant achievement for Game 6. During this period, he was navigating a challenging phase in his career due to struggles with addiction, but credited meditation as a powerful tool in his recovery. Notably, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang had been filmed just prior to Game 6, leading to comprehensive discussions between Hoffman and Downey Jr.to ensure a safe working environment. Consequently, Downey Jr.’s scenes were completed within a short span of three to four days.

The Obscurity of Game 6: Why It Remains Unseen

A Limited Theatrical Launch

Michael Keaton and Roger Rees in a cab in Game 6 — Michael Keaton and Roger Rees in Game 6. Kindred Media Group

While Game 6 had an opportunity for success, it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005 but subsequently faced a nearly nonexistent theatrical release, debuting in just a few cinemas in March 2006. Following this limited exposure, the film largely faded from public consciousness. The explanation for this obscurity may lie in the shoestring budget and minimal rehearsal time, which created a shaky foundation for any film, regardless of its talented cast.

The film’s script had circulated among industry professionals for several years without gaining traction. Producer Amy Robinson remarked that while Don DeLillo’s plays had enjoyed success, Game 6 lingered in limbo for over a decade, becoming a “ghost”screenplay—widely read yet rarely discussed. Although the film’s release timeframe occurred before the Black List gained notoriety, its struggles have left a lasting impact, making Game 6 a relatively elusive find even in 2025.

Source: The Ringer

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