Rubber Review

This is what you would get if Stephen King and Jim Henson had been able to collaborate on writing an episode of Seinfeld.  It is a non-sensical, comedic film where really nothing happens.  But the thing is, it was introduced that way and I knew sort of what to expect because of my research.  It starts out by saying that it is an homage to the phrase, "no reason."  As in, "why did you do that?" "No reason."  There really is no point to anything in this film and that is entirely intentional.  The basic premise is that there is this tire, Robert, that becomes self-aware and can kill people with tele-kinetic powers and the cops try to stop him.  That's it.  It's really nothing more than that.  There is no real plot progression and, for 80 minutes, non-sensical things happen; much like a Seinfeld episode.  But, I reiterate, that is the whole point of the movie.

On the technical side of things, I must say I was quite surprised.  This movie is beautifully shot.  The camera work is some of the finest I have seen in a while.  There are numerous points of view and focal points that are used that really make it a treat to watch.  There is also a lot of humour and I found myself laughing a lot at the sheer idiocy of the situation and the unexpected comedy bits.  Just when you think there might be some depth or progression, they throw a little comedic scene or shot at you that derails any consistency in the story.  In this way it was a bit contradictory in how it made me feel.  On the one hand, I was laughing a lot.  And, on the other hand, I did start to find it quite boring.  When it's boiled down, it is just a vibrating tire and heads exploding.  That's it.  Even with decent and unexpected comedy bits thrown in, they do prove that a movie does have to have some sort of progression to keep the interest of the audience.

Finally, the acting.  It is piss poor for the most part with one exception.  Stephen Spinella is great as the head cop.  His acting is understated and believable which is really a coup for him because just about everything he is required to do and say in this movie is beyond ridiculous.  But, for the rest of the cast, it is very bad with the odd exception of a good delivery here and there.  I will note, though, that the script is pretty bad and they didn't have much to work with.  But that doesn't justify the acting's poorness.

I give Rubber a See recommendation if you fit into one of two categories: first, you are a huge film buff and like to see different things and really cool camera work.  Second, see it if you are in the mood for 80 minutes of idiocy and "no reason."  That is not a bad thing if that's what you want.  That's what got me to see it in the first place.  But, for most of the people out there, I would say don't see it.  It isn't for a casual "hey, let's watch a movie tonight" kind of evening.  It takes a special and different kind of person to enjoy a film like Rubber.  Most of the general population does not fit into this category and would feel like they've wasted their money.