Blu-Ray Review: Ridiculous, Riveting ‘Rubber’ Rolls Right

Submitted by BrianTT on June 20, 2011 - 12:13pm

CHICAGO – I know that headline is silly and annoying. But it seems to me that the only way to approach a movie as original as “Rubber” is with a critical tongue in cheek. This is a cult hit in the making, a movie with enough going for it to overlook some pretty big flaws and a unique sensibility that separates it from the horror movie horde. I’m not sure one should even call “Rubber” a horror movie. I’m not sure what “Rubber” is. Can we invent a new genre?

Blu-Ray Rating: 3.5/5.0

Synopsis:
“Rubber is 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. At first content to prey on small desert creatures, his attention soon turns to humans, especially a beautiful and mysterious woman who crosses his path. Leaving a swath of destruction, Robert becomes a chaotic force to be reckoned with, and truly a movie villain for the ages. Directed by legendary electro musician Quentin Dupieux, Rubber is smart, funny and wholly original.”

Rubber was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 7th, 2011.
Photo credit: Magnolia Home Video

Yes, you read that right. “Rubber” is a movie about a moving spare tire with telepathic powers. But that really just touches on the weirdness of this movie. The film starts with a complete shattering of the fourth wall as a lead character explains the theory of “no reason” to the viewer. Or so one thinks. It turns out he’s speaking to viewers within the film, a group of people with binoculars watching the action of “Rubber” as if they’re watching a movie. I know. It sounds like it makes no sense. And it doesn’t. But it works.

And that’s my general feeling on “Rubber” overall. It shouldn’t work…but it does. If I write about it, I sound ridiculous. It almost defies critical interpretation other than to say that you will NOT see anything else like it this year. And that’s not just due to its unusual lead but the overall tone of the entire film. It’s just weird. Yes, sometimes it seems a bit too self-conscious in its tone, like a hipster trying to be different just for the sake of being different, but it’s creative enough to warrant a look.

Special Features:
o Interview with Quentin Dupieux
o Interview with Stephen Spinella
o Interview with Jack Plotnick
o Interview with Roxane Mesquida
o Rubber Teaser Camera Tests
o HDNet: A Look at Rubber
o Theatrical Trailer

“Rubber” stars Stephen Spinella, Jack Plotnick, and Roxane Mesquida. It was written and directed by Quentin Dupieux. It is rated R and was released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 7th, 2011.