Robert Downey Jr described his work on the 2006 film *A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints* as “the best job I ever had”, reflecting the personal significance of a relatively modest independent drama in his career. The role came during a period when he was rebuilding his reputation in Hollywood, shortly before his major comeback as Tony Stark in *Iron Man*.

The film, written and directed by Dito Montiel and based on Montiel’s memoir, follows a young man growing up in 1980s Queens and stars Downey as the adult version of the protagonist’s father. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received recognition for its ensemble cast, and featured Shia LaBeouf, Channing Tatum, Rosario Dawson and Dianne Wiest alongside Downey.