For a real paper, you would cite:

(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].

Plot

The movie revolves around Norbit Ryan (played by Eddie Murphy), a man who was severely bullied as a child due to his obesity. To cope with his difficult life, Norbit creates an alternate personality named Rasputia, a large, intimidating, and foul-mouthed woman. As an adult, Norbit meets and falls in love with a beautiful woman named Nora (played by Thandie Newton). They get married and start a happy life together.

However, their happiness is disrupted when Rasputia, Norbit's childhood bully, returns to wreak havoc on their lives. Rasputia (also played by Eddie Murphy) is a huge, dominating, and obnoxious woman who terrorizes Norbit and Nora.

Main Characters

Themes

Reception

The movie received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.

Awards and Nominations

Impact

While the movie received mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic and is often referenced in popular culture.

Would you like to know more about the making of the movie or its cultural impact?

In the vast, sprawling filmography of Eddie Murphy, there are clear peaks (Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor) and deep valleys (Pluto Nash, The Adventures of Pluto Nash’s box office returns). But then there is Norbit.

Released in February 2007—a notorious dumping ground for movies the studio doesn’t quite know what to do with—Norbit was a critical punching bag. It currently holds a paltry 9% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was savaged by reviewers for its crass humor, its reliance on fat suits, and what many perceived as a regressive portrayal of Black womanhood and plus-sized bodies.

Yet, nearly two decades later, Norbit refuses to fade away. It has become a cultural touchstone, a meme factory, and for a sizable audience, a genuinely beloved comedy. How did a movie this reviled become so unforgettable? Let’s dive into the strange, gelatinous world of Norbit.

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!

Whether you know it as a cult comedy classic, a box-office giant, or a controversial piece of cinema history,

(2007) remains one of the most talked-about projects in Eddie Murphy’s career. The Triple-Threat Performance At its core,

is a showcase for Eddie Murphy’s "chameleon" ability to transform into multiple, vastly different characters. Helped by the Academy Award-nominated makeup effects of Rick Baker, Murphy portrayed: Norbit Albert Rice

: The mild-mannered, timid protagonist who has been bullied his entire life. Rasputia Latimore

: Norbit's overbearing, loud, and domineering wife who rules their household and neighborhood with an iron fist. Mr. Hangten Wong

: The eccentric, weapon-wielding owner of the "Golden Wonton" orphanage. A Story of Second Chances

The plot follows Norbit’s struggle to break free from his loveless and intimidating marriage to Rasputia after his childhood sweetheart, Kate Thomas

(played by Thandiwe Newton), returns to town. While Norbit schemes to win back his first love, he must navigate the threats of Rasputia’s muscular brothers—Jack, Blue, and Earl—who run a local extortion business. Impact and Legacy

Despite receiving a "Razzie sweep" from critics, the film was a massive commercial success, grossing approximately $159 million

worldwide. Over time, it has developed a polarized reputation:

Do you think critics were too hard on Eddie Murphy and ... - Facebook

is often remembered for its slapstick humor and Eddie Murphy's multi-role performance, but at its core, it explores the journey of self-actualization. The Struggle for Identity : The protagonist, Norbit Albert Rice

, is a gentle, shy, and highly intelligent man who has spent his life being pushed around [13, 35]. His journey is one of moving from a state of passive endurance to taking active control of his life [13, 30]. The Weight of Circumstance

: Norbit’s life is defined by his upbringing in an orphanage and his subsequent controlling marriage to Rasputia Latimore

, a domineering figure who represents the "monstrous" obstacles he must overcome [13, 16, 34]. A Story of Second Chances : The return of his childhood sweetheart, Kate Thomas

, serves as the catalyst for Norbit's internal revolution [15, 34]. It highlights the theme that it is never too late to stand up for oneself and pursue genuine happiness [18, 23]. Comedic Versatility

: Eddie Murphy delivers a tour-de-force performance by playing three distinct characters—Norbit, Rasputia, and the eccentric orphanage owner Mr. Wong—showcasing his ability to blend absurd physical comedy with heartfelt moments [15, 34]. NORBIT: The Global Technology Company In a completely different context,

is a Norwegian-based global provider of high-end technology solutions [6, 8]. Mission of Innovation

: Established in 1995, the company operates under the mission to "Explore More," focusing on three key segments: Connectivity Product Innovation & Realization Subsea to Space

: Their expertise spans underwater acoustics (like sonar systems and mapping tools) to secure wireless communication modules used in various industrial and government applications [6, 10]. Commitment to Sustainability

: The company integrates sustainability into its design and production processes, aiming to contribute to the green transition through durable and efficient technology [9]. Quick Facts Comparison (The Film) NORBIT (The Company) Primary Focus Character-driven slapstick comedy [34] High-tech hardware and integrated solutions [10] Key Figure Eddie Murphy (multiple roles) [34] Per Jørgen Weisethaunet (Founder) [6] Headquarters Boiling Springs (fictional) [16] Trondheim, Norway [8] Core Theme Self-confidence and second chances [13, 15] Innovation, growth, and sustainability [9, 10] of Eddie Murphy’s characters or the specific technical capabilities of NORBIT's subsea technology?

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.

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.