Norbit |top| -

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

• Norbit Ryan/Rasputia (played by Eddie Murphy): The protagonist of the movie, a man with an alternate personality.
• Nora (played by Thandie Newton): Norbit's loving wife.
• Rasputia (played by Eddie Murphy): Norbit's childhood bully and alternate personality.

Themes

• Overcoming childhood trauma: The movie explores Norbit's difficult childhood and how it affects his adult life.
• Self-discovery: Norbit's journey is about discovering himself and finding the courage to stand up for himself.
• Love and relationships: The movie highlights the importance of a supportive partner, as seen in Norbit's relationship with Nora.

Reception

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

Awards and Nominations

• The movie won several Teen Choice Awards and a Kids' Choice Award for Choice Movie: Comedy.

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?

Released in 2007, remains one of the most polarizing entries in Eddie Murphy's filmography. While critics largely panned it as a "cesspool of tasteless crassness," it was a commercial success that grossed nearly $160 million and earned an Academy Award nomination for its makeup. 🎭 The Triple Performance

Eddie Murphy utilizes his signature multi-character approach, playing three distinct roles:

Norbit Albert Rice: A mild-mannered, "ingenue" orphan who is highly intelligent but socially timid.

Rasputia Latimore: Norbit’s overbearing, physically abusive, and gluttonous wife.

Mr. Wong: Norbit’s cynical, racist Chinese-American adoptive father. ⚖️ Critical vs. Audience Reception

The film is a textbook example of a "critic-proof" movie, where professional reviews and public enjoyment diverged sharply. The Case Against (Critics) Norbit - Movies - Review - The New York Times

(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].

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 Norbit

: 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

While the final version of the 2007 film Norbit is known for its slapstick humor and exaggerated characters, the original draft content was significantly more intense. Darker Tone and Draft Details

Early versions of the script were notably darker than the final comedy.

Severe Abuse: Actress Thandie Newton revealed that in the first draft she read, Rasputia’s treatment of Norbit was much more abusive and less "comedic" than what appeared on screen.

Script Origin: Eddie Murphy conceived the story after seeing internet videos of domestic disputes, which he initially found humorous but eventually evolved into the film's premise.

Draft Scenes: Some early draft outlines included a heavy focus on Norbit's early life at the orphanage, with specific scenes detailing "child labor concerns" played with a dark humorous twist. 🎭 Character & Production Drafts

Rasputia’s Design: The physical "draft" of the character involved a 34 kg (approx. 75 lb) fat suit. While the character claims to weigh 165 lbs in the film, the production designed her to appear closer to 350 lbs.

Face Replacement: In draft/test footage and complex scenes, Murphy used a stand-in whose face was later digitally replaced with his own using early CGI face-mapping.

Makeup Drafts: It took roughly 3 hours to apply the makeup for Rasputia and 2.5 hours for the character Mr. Wong for every day of filming. 🏛️ Norbit Technical "Draft" (Company)

If you were referring to the NORBIT technology company rather than the movie, "draft" usually refers to the water depth required for their sonar equipment:

Vessel Draft: The NORBIT WINGHEAD sonar system is often used on vessels with a 2.0-meter draft.

Installation Draft: Technical manuals recommend the sonar be immersed at least 0.7m below the waterline to avoid bubbles and turbulence. Trivia - Norbit (2007) - IMDb

The keyword "Norbit" primarily refers to two distinct entities: a high-performing Norwegian technology company specializing in subsea and connectivity solutions, and a cult-classic comedy film starring Eddie Murphy. 1. NORBIT ASA: A Norwegian Technology Powerhouse

NORBIT ASA is a global technology group based in Trondheim, Norway, known for providing "tailored technology to more markets." As of mid-2025, the company has seen explosive growth and investor confidence.

Financial Trajectory: In the first half of 2025, NORBIT reported revenues of NOK 1,206 million, a 46% increase from the previous year. Their EBIT margin remained robust at 25%, driven by high demand in their Oceans and Connectivity segments. Key Segments:

Oceans: This division provides high-resolution multibeam echosounders like the iWBMS, used for seafloor mapping and artificial reef detection.

Connectivity: Focuses on wireless solutions for dedicated short-range communications, such as tolling systems and smart tachographs.

Market Position: Despite some earnings misses relative to high analyst expectations, the company is frequently rated as a "buy" due to its strong operating leverage and ability to expand margins. 2. The Film "Norbit" (2007)

On the cultural side, Norbit is a 2007 American comedy film directed by Brian Robbins. It is best known for featuring Eddie Murphy in three distinct roles: the mild-mannered Norbit Rice, his overbearing wife Rasputia Latimore, and the orphanage owner Mr. Wong.

Plot & Legacy: The story follows Norbit, an orphan raised in a Chinese restaurant, who finds himself trapped in an unhappy marriage with the fearsome Rasputia. While the film received polarized critical reviews, it has maintained a legacy for Murphy's physical comedy and range.

Cultural Footprint: The movie is often cited in discussions about Eddie Murphy’s career, specifically his penchant for playing multiple characters under heavy prosthetic makeup. It also serves as a case study in film subtitling and translation, where translators must navigate its specific brand of American slang and racial humor. 3. Etymology and Name Origin

The name Norbit is believed to be a variant of the surname Norbert. This Old Germanic name combines "nord" (north) and "berht" (bright or famous), loosely translating to "Bright North," which fittingly aligns with the Norwegian company's geographic origins.

Are you interested in a deeper financial analysis of the company’s recent stock performance, or

AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional. Learn more Plot The movie revolves around Norbit Ryan (played

Released in 2007 and directed by Brian Robbins, Norbit is a slapstick comedy featuring Eddie Murphy in three distinct roles: the mild-mannered Norbit Rice, his domineering wife Rasputia Latimore, and the orphanage owner Mr. Wong. Despite being a significant commercial success, earning over $159 million worldwide, the film is a frequent subject of academic study regarding its use of stereotypes and its impact on the career of its lead actor. II. The "Oscar Effect" and Critical Reception

The film's legacy is often tied to the theory that its release negatively impacted Eddie Murphy’s chances of winning the Academy Award for Dreamgirls. While Murphy has dismissed these claims, critical reception was overwhelmingly negative, with many reviewers attacking the film's "predictable crude, sexist, and racist humour". III. Cultural Critique and Stereotypes

Scholarly analyses, such as those published in Issue 1 Highlights from the Americas, argue that Norbit reproduces discriminatory discourses.

The Sapphire Stereotype: The character of Rasputia is often compared to the "Sapphire" trope—an aggressive, loud, and emasculating Black woman—which critics argue perpetuates white supremacist ideologies and mocks marginalised bodies.

Hegemonic Subversion: Conversely, some analyses suggest the film presents a counter-hegemonic representation of a strong Black woman who dominates her environment, even if that dominance is portrayed through abuse and toxicity. IV. Technical Achievement

Despite the controversy, the film was a technical landmark in makeup and special effects. The production used complex prosthetic bodysuits and digital face-replacement technology to allow Murphy to interact with himself on screen. Alternative Context: NORBIT (Technology Company)

In the scientific and industrial sectors, NORBIT refers to a Norwegian technology group specializing in multibeam sonar systems.

Applications: Their technology is used for ultra-high-resolution mapping of coastal and offshore depths, real-time dredging monitoring, and environmental subsea monitoring.

Research Papers: Technical papers featuring NORBIT equipment often focus on hydrographic surveying and the efficiency of shallow-water sonar systems.

"Norbit's a hilarious comedy about a man who was severely bullied as a kid. As an adult, he's still dealing with the aftermath. The twist? He's actually three people - himself, his childhood bully, and a seductive woman. When his childhood bully comes back into the picture, Norbit's life gets turned upside down."

Would you like more information about the movie?

Released on February 9, 2007, Norbit is a high-energy romantic comedy that remains one of the most polarizing entries in Eddie Murphy’s filmography. Directed by Brian Robbins, the film is a showcase of physical comedy and heavy prosthetics, continuing Murphy's tradition of playing multiple distinct roles in a single feature. Plot and Characters

The story follows Norbit Albert Rice (Murphy), a shy, mild-mannered orphan raised in a Chinese restaurant-orphanage by the gruff but kind-hearted Mr. Wong (also played by Murphy). As a child, Norbit is separated from his soulmate, Kate Thomas (played by Thandiwe Newton). He is eventually "rescued" on the playground by Rasputia Latimore (Murphy’s third role), a domineering and abusive girl who grows up to be his tyrannical, morbidly obese wife.

The conflict arises when Kate returns to town with plans to buy the old orphanage. Norbit sees a chance for true love but must first summon the courage to stand up to Rasputia and her three intimidating brothers—Big Black Jack (Terry Crews), Blue (Lester Speight), and Earl (Clifton Powell)—who plan to turn the orphanage into a strip club. Technical Achievement: The Makeup of Norbit

A defining element of the film is the intensive use of practical effects. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker and his team at Cinovation designed the prosthetics and silicone bodysuits that transformed Murphy into his various characters.

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?

Released in 2007, is a slapstick comedy film starring Eddie Murphy, who famously portrays three distinct lead characters through extensive prosthetic makeup. The film centers on Norbit Albert Rice, a mild-mannered man who must find the courage to stand up to his overbearing wife and her criminal family to win back his childhood sweetheart. 🎭 The Multi-Faceted Performance

Eddie Murphy’s performance is the cornerstone of the film, as he utilizes elaborate fat suits and prosthetics to play:

Norbit Rice: The shy, nerdy, and good-hearted protagonist raised in an orphanage.

Rasputia Latimore: Norbit’s aggressive, morbidly obese, and abusive wife who "saved" him from bullies as a child.

Mr. Hangten Wong: The elderly, eccentric Chinese restaurant owner and orphanage director who raised Norbit. Norbit (2007) - Plot - IMDb

The Multifaceted Life of Norbit: A Comedic Exploration Themes

Released in 2007, "Norbit" is an American comedy film directed by Brian Robbins and written by Rob Burnett and Ed Decter. The movie stars Eddie Murphy in a triple-threat performance, playing the titular character, his childhood friend and bully, Rasputia, and the wealthy and beautiful woman, Latisha. The film follows Norbit Ryan (Eddie Murphy), a man who was once a chubby, awkward teenager and has now become a happily married man with a beautiful wife and two kids.

The Early Life of Norbit

The film begins with Norbit's childhood, where he faces constant bullying from Rasputia (also played by Eddie Murphy), a obese and brutal girl who consistently terrorizes him. The humiliation Norbit faces at the hands of Rasputia shapes his life and leads to a transformative moment when he meets and falls in love with a beautiful and charming woman named Latisha (played by Thandie Newton).

The Triple Threat Performance

The standout aspect of the film is undoubtedly Eddie Murphy's impressive performance, where he skillfully juggles three distinct characters. As Norbit, he portrays a kind-hearted and awkward man trying to navigate his life. As Rasputia, he embodies the character of a violent and manipulative bully. Finally, as Latisha, he brings to life a refined, confident, and elegant woman. Murphy's versatility as an actor shines through in his seamless transitions between the three roles.

Comedic Elements and Themes

The film explores a variety of comedic themes, including body image issues, childhood trauma, marriage, and identity. The comedic narrative leans on slapstick humor and situational comedy to explore Norbit's struggle to balance his current life with the unexpected return of Rasputia, now a wealthy and powerful businesswoman.

Impact and Reception

Upon its release, "Norbit" received mixed reviews from critics but performed well at the box office, grossing over $200 million worldwide. The movie remains a memorable comedic effort from Eddie Murphy, showcasing his comedic genius and his ability to play a wide range of characters.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

While "Norbit" may not have achieved critical acclaim, it holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers who appreciate Eddie Murphy's comedic prowess. The film serves as a reminder of the power of comedy to explore complex themes and to challenge societal norms. The movie's focus on body image, bullying, and the importance of staying true to oneself resonated with audiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Norbit" is a comedy film that offers a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and a standout performance from Eddie Murphy. Despite the mixed reviews, the film remains an enjoyable and thought-provoking watch, especially for fans of Eddie Murphy and comedy. The movie's exploration of themes such as marriage, identity, and overcoming childhood trauma makes it a relatable and entertaining experience.

It sounds like you might be asking for a helpful academic paper or analytical resource on the 2007 film Norbit, directed by Brian Robbins and starring Eddie Murphy.

While Norbit is not typically discussed in traditional film criticism journals, there are several useful angles you could take for a paper. Below is a structured guide to writing a thoughtful, insightful paper on Norbit—including potential thesis statements, themes, and scholarly connections.

The Box Office: Wait, It Made Money?

Here is the secret that gets lost in the critical hate: Norbit was a commercial hit. Produced on a budget of $60 million, it grossed over $159 million worldwide. Opening weekend, it dethroned Hannibal Rising.

Why? Because audiences in 2007 wanted lowbrow, unpretentious comedy. They wanted to see Eddie Murphy do what he does best: disappear into a role. The disconnect between the critics (9%) and the audience (53% on RT) is massive. It wasn't a huge hit, but it was profitable enough that the studio didn’t regret it. That is, until...

Conclusion: Is Norbit a Good Movie?

Let’s be honest. Norbit is not a good movie in the traditional sense. It is structurally messy. The third act (the water park rescue) is absurd. Cuba Gooding Jr. seems confused. Thandie Newton deserves hazard pay for acting against a man in rubber makeup.

But Norbit is an essential movie. It is the dark, chaotic flipside to the polished sentimentality of The Princess and the Frog. It represents a moment in comedy where "too far" was just the starting line.

To watch Norbit today is to watch a time capsule of 2000s humor—offensive, loud, and unapologetically stupid. But it is also weirdly sincere. You root for Norbit. You hate Rasputia. You laugh when Mr. Wong says, "I am thinking you are thinking with the wrong head."

Decades from now, people will not remember the reviews. They will remember the quotes. They will remember the memes. And they will ask, "Why did they take the Oscar from the man who created Rasputia?"

Love it or hate it, Norbit lives forever, stuck like a dumpling in the throat of pop culture, refusing to be swallowed or spit out. And honestly? That is a kind of immortality.

Sample Outline for a 5–7 Page Paper

I. Introduction

• Opening: Norbit’s critical reception (10% on Rotten Tomatoes) vs. commercial success ($159M worldwide).
• Thesis: The film’s reliance on bodily and racial caricatures, while offensive, provides a rich text for analyzing mainstream comedy’s limits.

II. Historical Context of Black Comedy

• From Stepin Fetchit to Tyler Perry.
• Eddie Murphy’s Nutty Professor (1996) as precursor.

III. Rasputia as Controlling Image

• Compare to Sapphire stereotype (loud, emasculating, angry).
• Use Collins – how fatness amplifies deviance.

IV. The Problem of Multiple Roles

• Eddie Murphy’s virtuosity vs. racial/body drag.
• Mr. Wong: Asian stereotype (buck teeth, accent, martial arts).

V. Reception & Legacy

• Why critics hated it, why audiences saw it.
• 2008 Razzie Awards (worst film, actor, supporting actress).
• Re-evaluation in 2020s as a camp classic.

VI. Conclusion

• Norbit as a failure of taste but a success of symptomatic cultural analysis.

Revisiting Norbit: The Uncomfortable, Unforgettable, and Undervalued Comedy of 2007

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.

The Memes: Why Norbit Survived

While critics saw a vulgar, offensive mess, the internet saw a goldmine. Norbit is arguably the most quotable and meme-able Eddie Murphy movie since Coming to America.

• Rasputia’s one-liners: “You see what happens when you take a [expletive] on a man’s dreams?” “I’m gonna get you, Norbit, and I’m gonna make love to you… violently.” These lines have transcended the film. They are used in reaction images, TikTok edits, and Twitter replies to signify chaotic, unhinged energy.
• The "I want to get off Mr. Wong’s Wild Ride" energy: Norbit’s perpetual thousand-yard stare has become the universal symbol for a man who has given up on life.
• The "Fat Suit" debate: Love it or hate it, the visual of Rasputia breaking a seesaw or flooding a pool has lodged itself into pop culture’s retina.

In the age of irony, Norbit is the perfect film. You don't watch it sincerely; you watch it to quote it. You don't defend its politics; you defend its audacity.