Norbit & Rasputia: Unpacking Eddie Murphy's Iconic Comedy Duo
The 2007 romantic comedy film Norbit introduced audiences to a truly unforgettable, and often controversial, cinematic pairing: Norbit and Rasputia. At its core, the movie is a testament to the comedic genius of Eddie Murphy, who not only played the titular protagonist Norbit but also his domineering, abusive wife, Rasputia Latimore, and even the wise Mr. Wong. This multi-faceted performance created a dynamic that was both hilarious and, at times, uncomfortably real, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. The film delves into the life of a meek man trapped in a suffocating marriage, who finds a glimmer of hope when his childhood sweetheart re-enters his life, setting the stage for a tumultuous battle against his monstrous spouse and her equally intimidating brothers.
Released by DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures on February 9, 2007, Norbit quickly became a talking point, primarily due to Murphy's transformative portrayal of Rasputia, achieved through the use of a meticulously crafted fatsuit and extensive makeup. While the film garnered mixed critical reviews, its box office performance and the sheer memorability of its characters cemented its place in early 21st-century comedy. The complex relationship between Norbit and Rasputia, fraught with abuse, manipulation, and unexpected moments of dark humor, forms the backbone of a story about finding freedom and true love against overwhelming odds.
Table of Contents
- The Genius Behind the Madness: Eddie Murphy's Multi-Role Mastery
- Norbit Rice: The Titular Protagonist's Plight
- Rasputia Latimore: The Antagonist Who Dominated the Screen
- The Unforgettable Plot: Love, Laughter, and Latimore Family Mayhem
- The Supporting Cast: Mr. Wong, Kate, and the Latimore Brothers
- Norbit's Reception: A Divisive Comedy
- Beyond Norbit: Eddie Murphy's Continued Legacy
- The Enduring Impact of Norbit and Rasputia
The Genius Behind the Madness: Eddie Murphy's Multi-Role Mastery
One of the most prominent and celebrated aspects of Norbit is undoubtedly Eddie Murphy's remarkable ability to portray multiple, distinct characters within the same film. This wasn't a new feat for Murphy; he had previously showcased this talent in hits like The Nutty Professor films, where he famously played Professor Sherman Klump and his entire eccentric family. In Norbit, Murphy takes on three pivotal roles: Norbit Rice, the meek protagonist; Rasputia Latimore, his formidable wife; and Mr. Wong, the owner of the orphanage where Norbit grew up. Murphy's transformation into Rasputia is particularly noteworthy. Donning a meticulously crafted fatsuit and layers of makeup, he embodies the character with a physicality that is both exaggerated for comedic effect and surprisingly convincing. Rasputia's immense weight becomes a recurring punchline, as seen in the ridiculous scene where a water park employee accuses her of not wearing swimsuit bottoms, only for her to lift up her "mounds of fat" to reveal that she is, indeed, wearing them. This level of commitment to character, combined with his distinct vocal performances for each role, underscores Murphy's unparalleled talent as a comedic actor. His ability to switch between the timid Norbit, the monstrous Rasputia, and the wise-cracking Mr. Wong with such seamlessness is a masterclass in comedic versatility, making the film a unique viewing experience centered around his performances.Eddie Murphy: A Biographical Sketch
Eddie Murphy's career trajectory is nothing short of legendary. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a standout cast member on Saturday Night Live, where his infectious energy and sharp wit quickly made him a household name. Following his success on SNL, Murphy transitioned to stand-up comedy, releasing specials like Delirious and Raw, which further cemented his status as a comedic icon. His film career took off with hits like 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America, establishing him as a major box office draw. Throughout his career, Murphy has consistently demonstrated a unique blend of physical comedy, impersonation, and character work, which he brought in full force to Norbit.| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Regan Murphy |
| Born | April 3, 1961 |
| Notable Roles (Pre-Norbit) | Saturday Night Live, Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop), Prince Akeem Joffer (Coming to America), Donkey (Shrek films), Professor Sherman Klump (Nutty Professor films), Mushu (Mulan) |
| Signature Style | Stand-up comedy, multi-character portrayals, voice acting, physical comedy |
Norbit Rice: The Titular Protagonist's Plight
Norbit Albert Rice, the titular main protagonist of the 2007 film, is a character defined by his meekness and unfortunate circumstances. The film opens with a rather grim introduction to his life: his parents literally throwing him to the front of an orphanage from their car. This early abandonment sets the tone for Norbit's perpetually unlucky existence. Adopted by the benevolent Mr. Wong, Norbit grows up in the orphanage, a relatively normal person, until fate intervenes in the form of Rasputia Latimore. As Norbit and Rasputia grow up, their relationship evolves into a marriage, with Norbit becoming an unwilling part of her formidable family. Their union is far from happy; Norbit is unhappily married, constantly subjected to Rasputia's abuse and dominance. His life with her is described as "miserable," a sentiment he openly expresses towards the end of the film: "And the last 2 weeks I spent with you have meant more to me than my whole entire miserable life with you Rasputia." His existence is one of quiet desperation, until the arrival of his childhood sweetheart, Kate Thomas, who offers a glimmer of hope and a chance at a different life. Norbit's journey throughout the film is one of finding the courage to stand up for himself and escape the clutches of his abusive wife, ultimately seeking true happiness with Kate.Norbit Rice: Character Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Norbit Albert Rice |
| Portrayed By | Eddie Murphy |
| Key Relationships | Abusive husband of Rasputia Latimore, childhood love and eventual husband of Kate Thomas, adopted son of Mr. Wong |
| Personality Traits | Meek, timid, kind, resilient, longs for freedom and love |
Rasputia Latimore: The Antagonist Who Dominated the Screen
Rasputia Latimore is undeniably the main antagonist of Norbit, a character designed to be as imposing and terrifying as she is comically exaggerated. Born in 1967, her past is largely shrouded in mystery, with her parents never seen or mentioned in the film. Instead, she was raised in a big house by her three tough, older brothers: Big Black Jack Latimore, Blue Latimore, and Earl. As the youngest, yet dominant, sister, Rasputia learned early on how to assert her will, developing a personality that is a catalogue of negative traits. The film explicitly describes Rasputia as "mean, selfish, cold, heartless, greedy, arrogant, deceitful, stubborn, lazy, disrespectful, aggressive, and overall evil in nature." Her actions throughout the movie consistently reinforce these descriptions. She physically and emotionally abuses Norbit, controlling every aspect of his life. A memorable scene captures her aggressive nature when she gets into her car with Norbit, and her chest keeps pressing the horn: "God damm it, Norbit, how many times I got to tell you when you drive my car, don't adjust my seat?" This quote perfectly encapsulates her demanding and unreasonable personality. Her character is a force of nature, an obstacle Norbit must overcome to find happiness. Rasputia's quotes, often delivered with a booming voice and an air of absolute authority, have become synonymous with laughter and sheer entertainment for many viewers, despite the dark undertones of her character.Rasputia Latimore: Character Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rasputia Latimore |
| Portrayed By | Eddie Murphy |
| Born | 1967 |
| Key Relationships | Abusive wife of Norbit Rice, youngest sister of Big Black Jack, Blue, and Earl Latimore |
| Personality Traits | Mean, selfish, cold, heartless, greedy, arrogant, deceitful, stubborn, lazy, disrespectful, aggressive, evil |
The Unforgettable Plot: Love, Laughter, and Latimore Family Mayhem
The narrative of Norbit is a classic underdog story wrapped in layers of outrageous comedy and social commentary. It begins with Norbit's tragic abandonment and subsequent adoption by Mr. Wong, establishing his innocent and somewhat naive nature. His childhood friendship with Kate Thomas blossoms into a sweet, innocent love, only to be abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the formidable Rasputia. From that point, Norbit's life takes a drastic turn, leading to his unhappy marriage to Rasputia, where he becomes a virtual prisoner in his own home and a pawn in the Latimore family's schemes. The plot truly ignites with Kate Thomas's return to their hometown, specifically to buy the orphanage where Norbit grew up. This reunion rekindles Norbit's long-dormant feelings for Kate, and he becomes desperate to rekindle their childhood friendship, hoping for something more. However, this burgeoning hope is met with the full wrath of Rasputia. Angered by Norbit and Kate's reunion, Rasputia unleashes her fury, even resorting to locking Norbit in a basement to prevent him from seeing Kate. The film then escalates into a series of comedic and dramatic confrontations as Norbit attempts to foil a sabotage plan constructed by Rasputia and her brothers, who are attempting to turn the orphanage into a strip club. A pivotal moment occurs when Norbit, though innocent, acts mean to Kate to save her from Rasputia's wrath, leading Kate to believe the worst and almost marry Deion. This twist adds emotional depth to Norbit's plight, highlighting the extreme measures he takes to protect the one he loves. The climax sees Norbit finally standing up to Rasputia and her brothers, with the help of the town's quirky residents, ultimately leading to Rasputia's defeat and Norbit's freedom to be with Kate. The film's blend of slapstick, physical comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt love story makes the journey of Norbit and Rasputia a memorable one.The Supporting Cast: Mr. Wong, Kate, and the Latimore Brothers
While Norbit is largely carried by Eddie Murphy's multi-character performance, the film's supporting cast plays crucial roles in shaping the narrative and providing both comedic relief and emotional grounding. **Mr. Wong:** Also portrayed by Eddie Murphy, Mr. Wong is Norbit's adoptive father and the owner of the orphanage. He serves as a source of wisdom, albeit often delivered with a dry, sarcastic wit. His character provides much-needed comedic relief and a paternal figure for Norbit, offering guidance and support in his struggle against Rasputia. His deadpan delivery and unique perspective on life add another layer of humor to the film. **Kate Thomas:** Played by Thandiwe Newton, Kate is Norbit's childhood sweetheart and his true love interest. She represents hope, kindness, and rationality in a world dominated by the chaos and aggression of the Latimore family. In a city where Norbit, Rasputia, the Latimores, Mr. Wong, Pope Sweet Jesus, and Lord Have Mercy live, Kate is clearly the only rational person who acts in horror when witnessing Norbit and Rasputia's married life. Her return to town to buy the orphanage sets the entire plot in motion, forcing Norbit to confront his unhappy marriage and fight for his chance at happiness. Initially, she is only into Deion due to believing he's a nice guy, having unfortunately fallen for his sleazy act. **The Latimore Brothers (Big Black Jack, Blue, and Earl):** These three tough, older brothers are Rasputia's primary enforcers and a constant source of intimidation for Norbit. Not much is known about Rasputia's past other than she was raised by these brothers. Big Black Jack is her oldest brother and the de facto leader of the trio. They embody the aggressive, criminal element that Norbit must contend with, adding a layer of physical threat to Rasputia's emotional abuse. Their presence reinforces Rasputia's dominance and the seemingly insurmountable odds Norbit faces. Together, these characters create a vibrant and often chaotic world around Norbit and Rasputia, contributing significantly to the film's comedic and dramatic elements.Norbit's Reception: A Divisive Comedy
Upon its release, Norbit received a largely negative response from critics, who often criticized its reliance on crude humor, the stereotypical portrayal of its characters, and the use of fat suits for comedic effect. Many reviews highlighted the film's perceived lack of sophistication and its departure from the more nuanced comedies Eddie Murphy had been known for. Despite the critical panning, the film found a significant audience, proving to be a commercial success at the box office. Audience reactions, however, painted a different picture. Many viewers found the film genuinely funny and entertaining, appreciating Eddie Murphy's over-the-top performances and the sheer absurdity of the situations. Comments from audience members reflect this sentiment: "I think Norbit is a funny movie, and very entertaining," and "I have watched two nights in a row," with some even rating it "5/5 stars." This disparity between critical and audience reception is not uncommon in comedy, especially for films that push boundaries or rely on broad humor. For many, the outrageousness of Rasputia and the pathetic charm of Norbit created a compelling, if controversial, comedic experience. The film's trailer, which was widely circulated, successfully captured the essence of the humor and the central conflict, drawing in viewers who were curious to see Eddie Murphy's latest transformation.Beyond Norbit: Eddie Murphy's Continued Legacy
While Norbit remains a notable, albeit divisive, entry in Eddie Murphy's filmography, it certainly didn't mark the end of his illustrious career. Murphy continued to act in a variety of projects, showcasing his enduring versatility as a performer. After Norbit, he reprised his beloved role as the lovable Donkey in Shrek the Third, further cementing his status as a voice acting icon. He also continued to be involved in other Shrek spin-off projects, demonstrating the lasting appeal of his animated characters. Beyond the Shrek universe, Murphy continued to take on diverse roles, reminding audiences of his range. He famously voiced Mushu in Disney's Mulan, played the iconic Prince Akeem Joffer in Coming to America (and its sequel), and returned as Professor Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor films. Other notable roles include The Captain in Meet Dave and Charlie Hinton in Daddy Day Care. Murphy's career, which began with his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live and his stand-up specials Delirious and Raw, has consistently evolved, proving his ability to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. His willingness to take on challenging, multi-faceted roles like Norbit and Rasputia underscores his dedication to his craft and his enduring impact on comedy.The Enduring Impact of Norbit and Rasputia
The dynamic between Norbit and Rasputia, brought to life so vividly by Eddie Murphy, continues to resonate with audiences years after the film's release. Their relationship, a darkly comedic exploration of an abusive marriage, provided a unique platform for Murphy to showcase his exceptional range as a performer. Rasputia's larger-than-life personality and her quotable lines ("You heard what I said, strumpet!") have become synonymous with laughter for many, even as the character herself embodies a terrifying antagonist. The film, and particularly the characters of Norbit and Rasputia, serve as a testament to Eddie Murphy's unparalleled ability to transform himself physically and vocally for comedic effect. While Norbit may not be universally acclaimed, its impact lies in its sheer memorability and the indelible impression left by its central duo. It sparked conversations about body image, abusive relationships, and the boundaries of comedy, proving that even a seemingly straightforward romantic comedy can delve into complex themes. The film's continued presence in pop culture, with Rasputia quotes often resurfacing in discussions about memorable movie characters, solidifies its place as a unique chapter in comedy history. The journey of Norbit from a timid, oppressed husband to a man who finally finds the courage to pursue his happiness with Kate Thomas, overcoming the monumental obstacle that is Rasputia, remains a compelling and entertaining narrative for many.Conclusion
The 2007 film Norbit, with its unforgettable characters Norbit and Rasputia, stands as a bold showcase of Eddie Murphy's extraordinary comedic talent and his remarkable ability to embody multiple, distinct personalities. From the meek and long-suffering Norbit to the monstrously abusive Rasputia and the wise Mr. Wong, Murphy's performances are the undeniable heart of this often-controversial comedy. The film's narrative, centered around Norbit's desperate quest for freedom and love with Kate Thomas, against the backdrop of Rasputia's tyranny and her brothers' menacing presence, delivers a unique blend of slapstick, dark humor, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about overcoming adversity. While critical reception was mixed, the enduring popularity of Norbit among audiences highlights its entertainment value and the lasting impression left by its larger-than-life characters. The dynamic between Norbit and Rasputia, though extreme, provided a platform for both uproarious laughter and a reflection on the complexities of relationships. What are your favorite Norbit and Rasputia moments? Did you find the film hilarious or controversial? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of Norbit and Rasputia, be sure to explore our other articles on iconic comedy films and the legendary actors who bring them to life.
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