Robert Downey Jr.'s quirkiest characters

The best of Robert Downey Jr.

While most movie stars are suave and smooth, Robert Downey Jr. is wily and unpredictable, full of manic intensity. He never seems to be working to impress the audience, aiming instead to make the most unusual characters entirely believable. In his latest film, "The Soloist," Downey plays real life LA Times columnist Steve Lopez who champions a homeless musician living in Los Angeles, and the actor disappears effortlessly into the role of energetic and empathetic journalist. But just because the role is one of Downey's most straightforward doesn't mean his performance is any less inventive than usual. In celebration of this consistently surprising actor, we've selected ten of his quirkiest big screen characterizations. And if you think we forgot something, be sure to let us know. —S. James Snyder, Special to Metromix