Norbit -
For a real paper, you would cite:
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.
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
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)
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. Norbit
Released on February 9, 2007, Norbit is a high-energy romantic comedy that remains one of the most polarizing entries in Eddie Murphy’s filmography. Directed by Brian Robbins, the film is a showcase of physical comedy and heavy prosthetics, continuing Murphy's tradition of playing multiple distinct roles in a single feature. Plot and Characters
The story follows Norbit Albert Rice (Murphy), a shy, mild-mannered orphan raised in a Chinese restaurant-orphanage by the gruff but kind-hearted Mr. Wong (also played by Murphy). As a child, Norbit is separated from his soulmate, Kate Thomas (played by Thandiwe Newton). He is eventually "rescued" on the playground by Rasputia Latimore (Murphy’s third role), a domineering and abusive girl who grows up to be his tyrannical, morbidly obese wife.
The conflict arises when Kate returns to town with plans to buy the old orphanage. Norbit sees a chance for true love but must first summon the courage to stand up to Rasputia and her three intimidating brothers—Big Black Jack (Terry Crews), Blue (Lester Speight), and Earl (Clifton Powell)—who plan to turn the orphanage into a strip club. Technical Achievement: The Makeup of Norbit
A defining element of the film is the intensive use of practical effects. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker and his team at Cinovation designed the prosthetics and silicone bodysuits that transformed Murphy into his various characters.
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!
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.
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.
"Norbit" delivers over-the-top comedy anchored by Eddie Murphy’s multi-character performances. It’s a divisive watch—some applaud its outrageous humor and Murphy’s versatility, while others criticize its reliance on stereotypes. If you enjoy broad slapstick and character-driven farce, it’s worth a look; if you prefer subtlety, you might want to skip it.
Would you like a longer review, a spoiler-filled plot summary, or a version tailored for Facebook, Twitter/X, or Instagram?
Title: The Many Faces of Norbit
[Opening paragraph]
Norbit Ryan, a man with a fragmented personality, struggled to find his place in the world. His life was a complex web of multiple personas, each one a coping mechanism to deal with the traumatic events of his childhood. As a child, Norbit was severely obese and suffered at the hands of his cruel and sadistic parents. But it was also during this time that he discovered his incredible talent for adapting and transforming into different personalities to survive.
[The Birth of Rasputia]
One of these personas was Rasputia, a massive, grotesque, and intimidating alter ego that Norbit would conjure up to protect himself from the cruelty of his parents. Rasputia was a behemoth of a man, with a voracious appetite and a menacing demeanor. This persona allowed Norbit to tap into a deep well of anger and aggression, giving him the strength to endure the unendurable.
[The Allure of Nora]
But Norbit's psyche was also home to a more vulnerable and sensitive persona: Nora. Nora was the embodiment of Norbit's longing for love, acceptance, and connection. She was a shy, awkward, and endearing young woman, with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. Nora was Norbit's attempt to recreate the relationships he never had as a child – a desire for friendship, romance, and family.
[The Convergence of Personas]
As Norbit navigated adulthood, his multiple personas began to converge, causing chaos and confusion in his life. His high school sweetheart, Marva, returned to his life, and Norbit found himself torn between his love for her and his deep-seated fear of being hurt again. Meanwhile, Rasputia and Nora continued to vie for dominance, threatening to upend Norbit's fragile sense of self.
[Redemption and Self-Discovery]
In the end, Norbit's journey was one of self-discovery and redemption. As he confronted his past and the traumas that had shaped him, Norbit began to integrate his multiple personas into a more cohesive and healthy whole. It was a painful and difficult process, but ultimately, it allowed him to find a sense of peace, acceptance, and belonging.
[Closing thoughts]
The story of Norbit Ryan serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and adaptation. Despite being broken and fragmented, Norbit was able to find a way to heal and become whole. His many faces – Rasputia, Nora, and Norbit himself – each held a piece of the puzzle, and it was only by embracing all of them that he could truly find himself.
(2007) is a romantic comedy directed by Brian Robbins and starring Eddie Murphy, who also co-wrote and co-produced the film [8, 15]. The movie is well-known for Murphy’s "chameleon" performance, as he portrays three distinct lead characters through extensive use of prosthetics and fat suits [21, 18]. Plot Summary
The story follows Norbit Albert Rice, a mild-mannered orphan abandoned as an infant at a Chinese restaurant and orphanage run by the eccentric Mr. Wong (also played by Murphy) [4, 14].
The Marriage: As a child, Norbit is "rescued" from bullies by Rasputia Latimore (also played by Murphy), a domineering and abusive girl who forces him into a relationship [5, 6]. They eventually marry, and Norbit lives a miserable, "henpecked" life under the thumb of Rasputia and her three intimidating brothers [8, 10].
The Conflict: Norbit’s life changes when his childhood sweetheart, Kate Thomas (Thandiwe Newton), returns to town to buy the orphanage [8, 20]. Norbit realizes he is still in love with her but must find the courage to stand up to the Latimore family, who plan to turn the orphanage into a strip club [8, 24].
The Conclusion: After uncovering the fraudulent schemes of Kate's fiancé, Deion Hughes, and surviving various comedic attacks from the Latimores, Norbit finally "grows a spine" [12, 16]. The townspeople rebel against the Latimores, and Norbit marries Kate at the same tree where they played as children [12, 16]. Key Characters
Norbit Albert Rice (Eddie Murphy): The protagonist, described as highly intelligent but timid, naive, and often treated as a "butt-monkey" by those around him [7, 16].
Rasputia Latimore (Eddie Murphy): Norbit’s abusive, larger-than-life wife. She is depicted as arrogant and vindictive, frequently using her size and brothers to control Norbit [6, 26].
Mr. Wong (Eddie Murphy): The owner of the Golden Wonton orphanage who raised Norbit. Despite his own eccentricities and "politically incorrect" humor, he eventually helps Norbit defeat the Latimores [14, 18, 24].
Kate Thomas (Thandiwe Newton): Norbit's kind-hearted childhood friend and the object of his affection [21, 28]. Production & Reception
Special Effects: The film utilized advanced prosthetics to allow Murphy to play multiple roles simultaneously [18]. A stand-in actress, Lauren Miller, was used for Rasputia's body, and Murphy's face was later digitally added in post-production [34].
Critical vs. Commercial Success: Critically, the movie was panned and "earned" several Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies) [15, 29]. However, it was a massive commercial success and even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling [15].
Controversy: The film sparked significant debate regarding its use of racial stereotypes and depictions of overweight women [17, 30]. Some critics and audiences found Rasputia and Mr. Wong to be offensive caricatures, while others viewed them as harmless slapstick exaggerations [17, 30].
We cannot write about Norbit without addressing the elephant (or the woman in the leopard print) in the room. In 2007, the NAACP criticized the film for its portrayal of Rasputia, arguing it reinforced negative stereotypes of Black women as loud, aggressive, and sexually voracious.
Looking at it today, the critique holds weight. While Murphy famously uses fat suits to liberate his inner id (think Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor), Rasputia lacks the redeeming sweetness of Mama Klump. Rasputia is purely a monster. She is an abusive spouse—physically, emotionally, and financially controlling Norbit. The joke is always her size and her appetite. For a real paper, you would cite:
However, a modern re-evaluation might argue that Norbit is a stealth drama about domestic abuse. Norbit is a male victim of a female abuser, a story rarely told in mainstream comedy. The film never glorifies Rasputia; it holds her up as a force of destruction. The fact that the character is played by a man in a suit highlights the absurdity of the power imbalance, but it also complicates the racial and gender politics in ways the filmmakers likely never intended.