Sunday, October 30, 2011

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)
Rubber (2010)

Genre: Experimental
Director: Quentin Dupieux
Starring: Stephen Spinella, Jack Plotnick, Wings Hauser, Roxane Mesquida
Language: English
Duration:  79 min.
Rating: 6.7  

Summary:
The story of Robert, an inanimate tire that has been abandoned in the desert, and suddenly and inexplicably comes to life. As Robert roams the bleak landscape, he discovers that he possesses terrifying telepathic powers that give him the ability to destroy anything he wishes without having to move. At first content to prey on small desert creatures and various discarded objects, his attention soon turns to humans, especially a beautiful and mysterious woman who crosses his path.



Rubber is a film from French director Quentin Dupieux, better known as the electronic musician Mr. Oizo. It premiered in the International Critic's Week section of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

It's difficult to describe this film other than very strange and unconventional.  Dupieux takes an absurd concept, a psycho killer tire with Darryl Revok like abilities, and crafts an interesting spoof of a film that has moments of profound brilliance and shows a good knowledge of film history, but is also dangerously self indulgent.  There's a very loose narrative that follows the journey of the tire as he awakens in the California desert and then proceeds to wreak havoc on anything in its path.  There's also a fourth-wall breaking thread that uses a live audience of tourists watching the events from a distance with binoculars, frequently reminding us that this is all a show put on for 'no reason'.

The cinematography and effects are impressive for a tiny budget production, Dupieux shot with a Canon DSLR, and the final result looks surprisingly very close to film.  The music is also very well done, with some solid electro compositions from Dupieux and Gaspard Augé from Justice.  The acting is also decent, though the cast isn't really given much to work with.  All of the characters are intentionally superficial and mostly forgettable.  Though I have to say the lovely Roxane Mesquida looks like she has barely aged a day since her role in Catherine Breillat's Fat Girl. 

In the end, Rubber feels like a smart concept that would have been perfect for a music video or a 10 minute short, but is a bit too tedious and thin when stretched out to a feature.  Still it's unique, entertaining and ends on a clever note, that's more than enough to garner my recommendation.

Bonjour Tristesse

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

Rubber (2010)

17 comments:

Michael Parent said...

I've wanted this see this ever since it came out! Looks like my kind of flick!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah he's got a new album dropping soon, I'm looking forward to it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yes that is an accurate description.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Very strange with some very fun moments, I think it's worth checking out for sure.

Hoi-Ming Ng said...

Hot damn. I'm in, both feet. How can you turn away from a film with such a premise?

Deadlydollshouse said...

On one hand, the movie gave me a headache with its slightly askew sound and visuals but I did appreciate the idea of it. Ultimately I agree with you though: far too long (and not even a long movie!) that just draaaaaaaaaags.

Jack L said...

I have had this one for a while now, and it certainly looks interesting enough, but I've never got around to watching it.

Great review though!

d_4 said...

Wait, so it's real? I remember hearing that it was gonna come out April 1st so I was skeptic. Hell, I didn't even know Mr. Oizo directed it, his name is gonna be one I'll never forget with all the mentions he's been getting recently. I must see this.

The Reel Foto said...

"bat s%#t wonderful!"... that sounds about right. :)

Tyler said...

I've considered renting this on more than one occasion, but have decided against it. However, on your recommendation, I think I'll give it a shot.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yep it sure is a wacky one.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yah luckily it's barely 80 minutes long.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Jack, I waited a few months to be in the right mood to watch this one too.  Anyhow, it's good to have you back.

Mette said...

Okay, this looks (and sounds) really strange... but maybe I'll enjoy it. Who knows?

FilmMasterT said...

This looks utterly ridiculous. I can teven say if it looks bad. Maybe it'll be some fun. Good insightful review.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yes it's not a great film by any means and you will either love or hate it depending on your tolerance for stupid and wacky ideas, but I found it a fun watch.

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