Robert Downey, Jr. and James Spader have an intriguing career trajectory that showcases their evolution as actors. Emerging in the competitive landscape of the Brat Pack in the 1980s, they found themselves as on-screen rivals, notably delivering standout performances in the critically acclaimed dark social drama, Less Than Zero. After Downey skyrocketed to fame as a global icon through his role in Iron Man, he reunited with Spader, who portrayed the notorious villain in Avengers: Age of Ultron. However, long before they became household names, RDJ and Spader formed a unique friendship in the unconventional teen exploitation film, Tuff Turf.
The quirky 1985 drama was directed by Fritz Kiersch, who had previously helmed the horror cult classic Children of the Corn. Drawing inspiration from various teen-oriented films of the ’80s like Footloose and The Outsiders, along with a blend of gang-related thrillers such as The Warriors and Class of 1984, Tuff Turf presents an eclectic mix of action, comedy, romance, and even musical numbers! The film’s execution is somewhat awkward, partly due to the unconventional casting of Spader, as it straddles the line between melodrama and the signature teen comedy style of John Hughes.
Discover the Plot of ‘Tuff Turf’
After the closure of his father’s business in Connecticut, teenager Morgan Hiller (played by James Spader) relocates with his family to Los Angeles in hopes of a fresh start. Despite his remarkable talent and passion for Shakespeare, Morgan possesses a rebellious nature that frequently leads him into conflicts with authority figures, his parents, and his affluent brother. At his new school, he forges a friendship with an aspiring musician and dog enthusiast named Jimmy (played by Robert Downey, Jr.).
Upon arriving in L.A., Morgan’s presence disrupts the local street gang known as the Tuffs, led by Nick Hauser (Paul Mones), who are notorious for mugging elderly men at night. His life takes a perilous turn when he starts to pursue Nick’s girlfriend, Frankie (Kim Richards), who initially resists the new boy’s charm. However, as Morgan persistently tries to win her over, Nick retaliates by targeting someone close to Morgan, escalating the stakes of their rivalry.
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During a time when films were portraying teenagers with greater authenticity, Tuff Turf encapsulates the Rebel Without a Cause narrative, featuring a bright yet troubled youth who confronts the menacing challenges posed by a ruthless street gang. While the film’s promotional materials depict it as a serious gang drama infused with punk rock aesthetics, the actual content oscillates between a fish-out-of-water thriller—where Spader’s character experiences the loss of his bike due to a villain’s reckless driving—and a vibrant MTV-inspired musical romance. It features elaborate musical sequences with future stars from The Blacklist and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, showcasing performances by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack and The Jim Carroll Band.
Robert Downey Jr. Shines as the Standout Star of ‘Tuff Turf’
One of the most outrageous moments in Tuff Turf that exemplifies the delightful absurdity of ’80s cinema is the memorable country club scene. In this sequence, Spader and Downey, along with their respective love interests, cleverly bypass the doorman to mingle with the elite members and indulge in the lavish buffet spread. The highlight of this scene is when Spader takes to the piano, belting out a heartfelt performance for Richards. Interestingly, while Spader’s rendition of “We Walk the Night” seems captivating, it was actually dubbed by Art Carney’s son, Paul, for the film’s soundtrack. This entire segment feels more aligned with the lighthearted tone of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off than the serious themes one would expect from a traditional teen drama.
Spader’s portrayal of the Shakespeare-enthusiast Morgan closely mirrors Kevin Bacon’s character Ren McCormick from Footloose. Both characters grapple with adapting to their new environments, develop feelings for the rebellious girl, and connect with the humorous class clown. However, while Bacon effectively embodied the spirited dancer from Chicago in the iconic film of that era, it is somewhat challenging to envision Spader as both a rebellious youth with a mullet and a middle-class teen clad in sweaters. Throughout his career, Spader has often been cast as arrogant privileged characters, cunning drug dealers, and occasionally endearing geeks, making his role as the bad boy in Tuff Turf feel like a miscast.
In contrast, RDJ emerges as the true standout in this oddly balanced film. He serves as the comedic relief to Spader’s serious rebel, often steering clear of the dramatic undertones of Tuff Turf until the climactic gang confrontation towards the end. Much of his performance embraces the campy essence of a film that attempts to take itself seriously. In one memorable scene, Downey’s character, Jimmy, engages in an exaggerated make-out session with one of the Tuff girls in the backseat of Nick’s stolen vehicle, while Spader attempts to have a serious discussion with Richards in the front. Downey’s quirky nature and relaxed improvisational style reveal a glimpse of his potential as an actor, consistently captivating audiences whenever he graces the screen. Much like Spader, the future MCU icon and Oscar winner was simply honing his craft in Tuff Turf as he prepared for even greater achievements ahead.
Tuff Turf
- Release Date
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January 11, 1985
- Runtime
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112 minutes
- Director
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Fritz Kiersch
- Writers
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Jette Rinck
- Producers
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Donald P. Borchers
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Kim Richards
Frankie Croyden
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