To understand the phenomenon, you have to understand the plot. Young Norbit grows up in the orphanage run by the greedy Mr. Wong. When the large, aggressive Rasputia saves him from bullies, she claims him as her "man for life."
Norbit , directed by Brian Robbins and released by DreamWorks Pictures in 2007, stars Eddie Murphy in three roles. While commercially successful ($159 million worldwide on a $60 million budget), the film was critically panned and sparked debates about racial stereotyping, fatphobia, and the limits of physical comedy. This paper examines Norbit as a cultural artifact of mid-2000s comedy, analyzing its narrative structure, performance techniques, and the backlash that affected Murphy’s Oscar chances for Dreamgirls (2006). It argues that Norbit represents a turning point in mainstream comedy’s willingness to trade social responsibility for grotesque humor.
At its core, is a dark fairy tale. The story follows Norbit Albert Rice, a timid, socially awkward man raised in a Chinese restaurant/orphanage by Mr. Wong. Norbit’s life is defined by a lack of agency, a trait cemented when he is forced into marriage by Rasputia, a morbidly obese, overbearing, and physically abusive woman.
: Recently found a "second life," charting in the Top 10 on Amazon Prime Video in late 2024. 🏆 Awards & The "Norbit Effect" Norbit 2007 -2007-
The plot kicks into gear when Norbit’s childhood sweetheart, Kate, returns to town to purchase the orphanage. Norbit must find the courage to stand up to Rasputia and her three criminal brothers to win Kate’s heart.
: The film was widely condemned for what some called "body fascism," using a fat suit for the character Rasputia to generate low-brow humor centered on obesity. Critics also targeted its use of "old-fashioned racial stereotypes," particularly through the character of Mr. Wong. Themes and Performance Norbit - Movies - Review - The New York Times
Despite the critical drubbing, was a box office success. Made on a budget of approximately $60 million, it grossed To understand the phenomenon, you have to understand
The controversy hit its peak during the 2007 Academy Awards. Eddie Murphy was the heavy favorite to win for Dreamgirls . Then Norbit came out. Many Oscar pundits argued that voters were so repulsed by Murphy's grotesque turn in Norbit that they withdrew their support. Alan Arkin won for Little Miss Sunshine . To this day, film historians debate whether cost Eddie Murphy his Oscar. That is the power of this movie.
Despite a "generally unfavorable" critical consensus, the film performed well financially:
But here is the rub: Audiences didn't care. When the large, aggressive Rasputia saves him from
: Grossed $159.3 million worldwide on a $60 million budget.
The story follows (Eddie Murphy), a shy and gentle orphan who was raised by Mr. Wong (also Murphy) at the Golden Wonton Restaurant and Orphanage. As a child, Norbit is "rescued" from bullies by Rasputia Latimore (also Murphy), a domineering and aggressive girl who eventually becomes his wife.