The first thirty minutes of "Bad Boy Bubby" are great horror. Bubby (Nicholas Hope), a strange, retarded man-child, has been imprisoned by his mom (Claire Benito) for thirty years. He hasn't left the house, can't leave the house, because mom's been busy having sex with him and perverting his sponge-like mind. Early on, the film alienates viewers by throwing in a scene involving the killing of a cat. We then follow Bubby as he ventures into the outside world and has a series of amazing, hilarious adventures in which his outsider status is often misinterpreted. He fronts a rock band, gets intimate with a real disabled woman (Heater Slattery), and discovers life beyond the walls of his prison. The film is extremely original and daring, and Hope's performance as Bubby is totally believable. It was shot over a long period by a number of cinematographers, although only Ian Jones gets IMDb credit. It has a unique, anarchic tone, and it is amazing watching how "normal" people interact with the unpretentious, unhinged protagonist. Ultimately, Rolf de Heer succeeds in creating a dark, surreal, powerful study of an outsider in a film that someone ought to double bill with Hal Ashby's "Being There". It's a triumph.
115 Reviews
Original, powerful, hilarious study of an outsider
fertilecelluloid17 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Surprisingly good, but not for the week minded mainstream.
bwilkus28 October 2003
Warning: Spoilers
I found Bad Boy Bubby after searching high and low to discover the source of a sample used by one of my favorite bands (Deutsch Nepal). While the movie is sometimes disturbing and unsettling, it is quite a feat of bravery in filmmaking. It's no wonder the film remains underground, but it does deserve to be released officially on DVD. Nicholas Hope gives an outstanding performance, as does Claire Benito and Ralph Cotterill. I don't want to spoil the plot of the movie, but be ready for some saddening depravity, mixed with childish curiosity and some innocent but twisted murdering. Bad Boy Bubby is a must see for any fan of alternative/underground films.
OUCH - yet compelling
tcjohnston10 May 2009
My wife commented, "This film makes 'Eraserhead' look like Disney." Please keep all minors at least 1000 feet from this DVD. The first act is excruciating and horribly disturbing. But hang in there if you can, because it becomes a surreal adventure where lots of fun (or not) stuff happens to the man-child protagonist.
There are tons of recurring themes and allegories (not to mention the ironies). I thought it was a nearly perfectly crafted film, and learned from the extras the director was 10 years in to the project, and intentionally used 32 different cinematographers to create his vision. Well it works.
I noted to my wife I won't need to see it again, because it's seared into my brain. It ain't for the faint of heart, but it has loads of heart.
We're still discussing various aspects of this film. And isn't that what a good movie should be like?
There are tons of recurring themes and allegories (not to mention the ironies). I thought it was a nearly perfectly crafted film, and learned from the extras the director was 10 years in to the project, and intentionally used 32 different cinematographers to create his vision. Well it works.
I noted to my wife I won't need to see it again, because it's seared into my brain. It ain't for the faint of heart, but it has loads of heart.
We're still discussing various aspects of this film. And isn't that what a good movie should be like?
a TRULY unique film
jzathajenious27 October 2003
BBB is unique amongst unique films. i havent sseen a film that mixes such taboo subjects as rape, incest, and psychological abuse and uplifting mesaages such as love, compassion, and being an individual, and makes such a great film. this film will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, you will feel uplifted, joyous, and two minutes later disgusted and dirty. while the ending is a bit corny and predictable, the film still leaves you feeling satisfied overall. it is truly hard to convey into words this film, so go see it if you can find a copy, its worth the effort.
Love of life
batcheeba15 December 2006
I saw this film for the first time years ago, and it never left my mind. I have since seen it many times and for each time i see something new, or something i missed. It's an ongoing story, that changes side by side the changes i go through, while going through life. The film is dark, it's very in your face. Strong images and a deep sadness is present for the most parts of the plot. But it has another more interesting side, and that is the naive and curious mindset of Bubby. how he deals with life, and how i learns and how he imitates life, is a lesson learned for everyone. To me it's all about being able to adjust, to create, even when all you have is shattered. There is a way in every situation. It may not be the common way, it may not be normal, but what ever path you find, is right for you. The people in the film are real, there is no glamour. Yoy believe their story, even if you only get little sneak peaks of how things used to be. I would call it a feel good movie. Some people might say that is a very strange thing to say about Bad boy Bubby. But Bad boy Bubby is a very strange film as well. A 10 it is.
a mad ride through Chauncy's Garden
weets1 December 1998
Bad Boy Bubby had been recommended to me while I was living in Australia in 1995. I picked it up at the video shop a few times and put it back, intimidated by its disturbing subject matter. Since returning to the States, I have developed a strong fondness for all films Australian and went to check this out when it finally premiered at the UC Theater in Berkeley. Several people walked out, but I was fascinated by this dark, perverse but ultimately (hang in there if you start to watch) very uplifting film. Bubby is Forrest Gump in hell, and the jaw dropping claustrophobia and dysfunction of his world is a sewer to escape from. But Bubby has a kind heart and a decent soul and much bravery is accomplished in his escape from his lifelong confinement. Severely disabled people are treated with dignity and attention which is very rare in film. I would highly recommend this film to the open minded.
Fascinating but difficult to watch in places.
CharltonBoy4 April 2002
I dont think i have ever seen a film quite like Bad Boy Bubby or am ever likely to see another like it. It is a piece of film making that is not scared to show or say anything that might be seen as taboo in many people's eyes. We see scenes that involve incest,Murder,exploitation , extremely bad language and the mentaly handicapped yet this film, disturbing as it is , has a certain charm like no other. Nicholas Hope is fantastic as Bubby and gives a display like none that i have seen in a long while. It could not have been easy taking on the role of a retarded man and having to do the thing that he does in the film.
As i have mentioned this film is disturbing and may upset many people. i would not recommend it for family viewing but i would recommend it to any film buff. Finally i must repeat the line that the factory worker teaches to Bubby, because it is so true and it stands for everything that i believe in. " Think god out of existance,it is our duty to insult him,strike me down if you dare to,you tyrant, you non existent fraud. It is the duty to think god out of existance , because then and only then do we take full responsibility for who we are!" A quite brilliant piece of writing. 7 out of 10.
As i have mentioned this film is disturbing and may upset many people. i would not recommend it for family viewing but i would recommend it to any film buff. Finally i must repeat the line that the factory worker teaches to Bubby, because it is so true and it stands for everything that i believe in. " Think god out of existance,it is our duty to insult him,strike me down if you dare to,you tyrant, you non existent fraud. It is the duty to think god out of existance , because then and only then do we take full responsibility for who we are!" A quite brilliant piece of writing. 7 out of 10.
Crazy, insane, black, funny, terrifying, weird, SUPERB.
mogwai-121 February 2001
This film changed my life. No, really. It was a Friday night, and the parents were away. I was on my own in front of the television, and Channel 4 (UK + Irish viewers will know of it) was showing Bad Boy Bubby as part of some cult film season. Well, to cut a long story short, I was glued to the screen for the duration of the film (I drooled and stared at it during the commercial breaks) and when it was over, I realised that the dinner was entirely burnt. Not a particularly relevant story, you may think, but note that the television was IN THE KITCHEN, mere feet from the oven. That's how good this film is. It features possibly the greatest crazy monologue ever committed to celluloid (the pub/microphone scene), two of the most disturbing murders in any movie I've seen (and I've seen thousands), one of the most unsettling relationships I've seen, and an unbelievable central performance. This film is darker than dark, and stranger than Eraserhead. Just as Bubby is on his own throughout the film, so is the viewer. Alone, confused and disturbed beyond words.
And I've never thought of the Salvation Army in the same way since.
10/10
And I've never thought of the Salvation Army in the same way since.
10/10
From His Head Down To His Shoe, He's Bad Boy Bubby Blue
TheAnimalMother13 December 2012
This film is listed as a Comedy, Crime, Drama, and it definitely is. But know that this is definitely a comedy first and foremost, a comedy layered with a light dose of satirical social commentary.
This film came out before Forrest Gump, but it definitely is comparable in many ways. Try to imagine a darker Forrest Gump on hallucinogenic steroids and you basically have Bad Boy Bubby. Just like Gump, not much of the story is told in a very believable way. In the case of both films however, neither let that get in the way of telling a good story. And in the case of this film, there is definitely some hint of substance that accompanies the fantastical madness. When I first saw the film, I couldn't help thinking that this is just what Forrest Gump would have been like if a young David Lynch had written and directed it. Mainly because there is no film more comparable to Bad Boy Bubby than Lynch's intense social commentary masterpiece, Eraserhead. This film basically is a light Eraserhead, but with a darker Forrest Gump type character as the lead. Both films stories and commentary are delivered in a similar manner. Though it would also be fair to say that Eraserhead is definitely far more complex in it's detailed metaphors and far deeper in it's overall vision and social commentary.
All that said, this film is a well under the radar standout in its own right. It has a little something to say, and it also delivers a lot of laughs.
7/10.
This film came out before Forrest Gump, but it definitely is comparable in many ways. Try to imagine a darker Forrest Gump on hallucinogenic steroids and you basically have Bad Boy Bubby. Just like Gump, not much of the story is told in a very believable way. In the case of both films however, neither let that get in the way of telling a good story. And in the case of this film, there is definitely some hint of substance that accompanies the fantastical madness. When I first saw the film, I couldn't help thinking that this is just what Forrest Gump would have been like if a young David Lynch had written and directed it. Mainly because there is no film more comparable to Bad Boy Bubby than Lynch's intense social commentary masterpiece, Eraserhead. This film basically is a light Eraserhead, but with a darker Forrest Gump type character as the lead. Both films stories and commentary are delivered in a similar manner. Though it would also be fair to say that Eraserhead is definitely far more complex in it's detailed metaphors and far deeper in it's overall vision and social commentary.
All that said, this film is a well under the radar standout in its own right. It has a little something to say, and it also delivers a lot of laughs.
7/10.
Moving
MrzD22 July 2006
I've seen this film three times and i bought the tape 10 years ago. I decided to see the film again today. Yes the film is very dark , extremely disturbing and unsettling. it has been called a black comedy or darkly humorous etc. All the plethora of adjectives are in the same vein which makes me feel that most people don't really "get " this film. It has also been described as a story with a corny and predictable ending which , for me , is the complete opposite. I have rarely seen a film of such rare beauty and ingenuity. By the end of it , i was moved to tears. I don't want to describe scenes , cinematography or performances. If this is the only review you read , i would strongly urge everyone above the age of consent to see this extremely powerful and inspiring film. Prepare yourself for scenes of cruelty , humiliation , sexual abuse and psychological horror...there are some truly disturbing scenes. But take them for what they are without judgement, see how they complement the story and Bubby's evolution and enjoy the ride. If you enjoyed Forrest Gump ( or more to the point , Tom Hanks), Then this is the adult version. It doesn't assault your heart strings the way Hollywood tries to do. A much underrated and for me a very moving experience.
Side-effects...
Pepperino15 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie definitely succeeded in corrupting my thoughts from an early age and had left my mind with an unhealthy way of perceiving the world ever since. I watched the first half (maybe the 'worst' half for some) by accident when it was on the television about a decade or so ago when I was 10 or 11 years old. It goes without saying that I never really appreciated the so called 'funny side' of the movie at the time and any innocence I had promptly left. This movie might have been my turning point.
Anyway, now watching it again I fully appreciate it as a piece of cinema including the black nature of the humour. Nicholas Hope is an incredible actor portraying Bubby and the subtleties of his character admirably. He deserves the highest praise for this performance. One or two aspects in the second half seem artificial (like an ability to understand mentally disabled peoples thoughts)however it serves to develop the end of the story to a pleasant conclusion. It's very well made and directed as well.
I highly recommended it to anyone interested in underground movies, that are also thought-provoking. I also highly recommend that you don't let your kids near this so take any relevant precautions. It'll be worth it because if you don't, there will be side-effects (and I don't mean the innovative method of recording sound that was used).
Anyway, now watching it again I fully appreciate it as a piece of cinema including the black nature of the humour. Nicholas Hope is an incredible actor portraying Bubby and the subtleties of his character admirably. He deserves the highest praise for this performance. One or two aspects in the second half seem artificial (like an ability to understand mentally disabled peoples thoughts)however it serves to develop the end of the story to a pleasant conclusion. It's very well made and directed as well.
I highly recommended it to anyone interested in underground movies, that are also thought-provoking. I also highly recommend that you don't let your kids near this so take any relevant precautions. It'll be worth it because if you don't, there will be side-effects (and I don't mean the innovative method of recording sound that was used).
You can't just cling film whoever you want to.........
wiggle-24 December 2000
The first twenty minutes will leave you tearing your hair out in stupefied horror and fascination. Stick through this period to be rewarded with a remarkable film, one which has more to say about the human condition than most others. The band member's monologue regarding humanity's history of cling-filming (killing) groups we don't like should be compulsory education for all.
Not quite my tempo
Stay_away_from_the_Metropol15 August 2020
BAD BOY BUBBY (1993)
Though films of this ilk are generally my steez, Bad Boy Bubby doesn't quite hit right for me. It certainly has it's strengths - the most impressive part is actually the cinematography, in my opinion, which is pretty unexpected for a "shocker" such as this. The atmosphere during the first act was quite jarring and effective - what a grim set. The 2nd kudos would go to the overall plot, which does demand intrigue from the viewer, almost guaranteed (at least for the first half of the film).
I think the film's greatest fault is that lead actor Nicolas Hope's performance doesn't quite invoke any emotional response. There are layers of majorly heavy subject matter being dealt with through this entire film, but Hope's portrayal of Bubby often feels rather vapid. I realize he is meant to be a shell of a person - but the nearly 2-hour runtime is fixed on his face a majority of the time. The blankness gets old and uninteresting after a while. Once I got about halfway through the film, I didn't really care what happened to his character anymore. Also, the plot meanders pretty hard. It gets cheesier as it goes, as well, in my opinion. Also, maybe it had something to do with the streaming service I watched it on, but this had perhaps the worst sound mix I've ever heard in a feature film? The majority of the dialogue was SO low, I had to turn closed captions on, and I NEVER do that.
One thing's for sure - if you're easily offended, this movie will definitely offend you. It's definitely THAT kind of movie. I have to give it up to everyone involved for being so committed to creating an offering with actual cinematic value that primarily hones in on such CRUDE subject matter. It certainly stands on it's own - I just don't find much about it satisfying or even very entertaining, personally. It took me 5 separate sit-downs, each time picking back up where I left off, just to get through it, but I still RESPECT this film. :)
Though films of this ilk are generally my steez, Bad Boy Bubby doesn't quite hit right for me. It certainly has it's strengths - the most impressive part is actually the cinematography, in my opinion, which is pretty unexpected for a "shocker" such as this. The atmosphere during the first act was quite jarring and effective - what a grim set. The 2nd kudos would go to the overall plot, which does demand intrigue from the viewer, almost guaranteed (at least for the first half of the film).
I think the film's greatest fault is that lead actor Nicolas Hope's performance doesn't quite invoke any emotional response. There are layers of majorly heavy subject matter being dealt with through this entire film, but Hope's portrayal of Bubby often feels rather vapid. I realize he is meant to be a shell of a person - but the nearly 2-hour runtime is fixed on his face a majority of the time. The blankness gets old and uninteresting after a while. Once I got about halfway through the film, I didn't really care what happened to his character anymore. Also, the plot meanders pretty hard. It gets cheesier as it goes, as well, in my opinion. Also, maybe it had something to do with the streaming service I watched it on, but this had perhaps the worst sound mix I've ever heard in a feature film? The majority of the dialogue was SO low, I had to turn closed captions on, and I NEVER do that.
One thing's for sure - if you're easily offended, this movie will definitely offend you. It's definitely THAT kind of movie. I have to give it up to everyone involved for being so committed to creating an offering with actual cinematic value that primarily hones in on such CRUDE subject matter. It certainly stands on it's own - I just don't find much about it satisfying or even very entertaining, personally. It took me 5 separate sit-downs, each time picking back up where I left off, just to get through it, but I still RESPECT this film. :)
Too much and too little
monstermonkeyhead14 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This movie could've been great, but tried to pack way too much into it. The church organist who owns a factory who hates God was too wham bam of a segment. It was pointless. This movie reminded me of the countless E.T. copy cats. Just stick a funny cute little alien into cheap shot situations. He becomes a rock star? Give me a break. Don't get me wrong there were lots of good ideas in this, but their potential just fell flat. Zippy the Pinhead comics are more believable. Bubby just magically takes off his gas mask after years of traumatic conditioning? I find this lack of logic as insulting as the latest Star Wars movie. This is lazy film making.
Even better the second time around ...
jnmoviefan20 January 2007
This is a movie that MUST be seen more than once. On a first viewing, I was appalled, nearly turning off the DVD player, but still, I kept watching. Eventually, I found myself totally engulfed with the story. It's not really a movie you can classify and the closest comparison I could make would be ... image A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, but even more twisted. It makes a social commentary similar to that of Kubrick's film, and at the same time it offends. However, BAD BOY BUBBY not only offends, it takes you to the brink, probably much like ORANGE did to original viewers. I came back and changed my vote for this movie after a second and third viewing. The first time around, I gave it a seven. I watched twice more and realized what a hidden gem this really is. By no means, is it for everybody, but if you are a film fan, a film watcher or a filmmaker, you have to see BAD BOY BUBBY. It's incredible.
A film that is both disturbing, beautiful and hilarious.
NateManD28 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I have to say, "Bad Boy Bubby" is one of my favorite films. I know, your probably questioning my sanity right now. But really this is a film that is challenging and sometimes hard to watch. It's like seeing a child step foot in the world for the first time. Poor Bubby, he's had a tough life. He's lived in a dirty room with his mother for more than thirty years. His mom, Flo has convinced him that if he goes outside he'll die from the air. So Bubby wears a gas mask from time to time. His mom is cruel and abusive, and even has sex with him. Bubby tortures his cat, and messes his pants in the first twenty minutes of the film. The first part of the film, feels almost like a John Waters movie. Many people will cringe, and not want to see the rest of the film. Keep watching, because the film becomes much more uplifting and emotional as it goes on. Bubby finally meets his long lost dad, who is also abusive to him. When Mom and Pop are sleeping, he kills them with plastic wrap. Bubby finally escapes confinement and sees the outside world. Music is something new to him as he witnesses a Salvation Army choir sing. The scene is very beautiful in it's stunning visuals. But, Bubby also witnesses the cruelty of man. People yell obscenities at him, and Bubby is like a child; so he repeats whatever he hears. Bubby has problems with manners too, he walks up to women and gropes there breasts and makes vulgar comments. Bubby means no harm, he is innocent and child like. He meets an assortment of offbeat characters, and finds comfort with a rock band; who treat him like a brother. Bubby even has the ability to communicate with the mentally handicapped, and finds time for love. He learns about philosophy from an existential atheist. My favorite part of the film is when Bubby goes to dinner, to meet Rachels stuffy cruel religious parents. Lets just say he takes some of the existential philosophy with him. Rolf de Heer has created a masterpiece and cult sensation, which has won many well deserved awards. Nicholas Hope is flawless in his performance as Bubby, in fact he did research on autism to create Bubby's character. If you like films that challenge you, watch "Bad Boy Bubby". You'll discover that love overcomes all.
Circular Breathing
tedg19 April 2011
I knew this filmmaker from "10 Canoes," which was pretty delicate. I had also heard a variety of things about this film, but still I was not prepared for how deep the adventure would go. Most folks seem to comment on the character and his journey; it has some engaging moments and supposedly ends happily. But that by itself is merely an acting exercise that goes on too long, develops only a small way, and then jumps to a cobbled resolution.
But all that is just the scaffold for an extraordinarily success cinematic experiment. It is about place and how we emotionally experience it. The story starts in a small, seemingly post- apocalyptic concrete cell occupied by Bubby and his mother. Some significant skill has gone into merging his sense of self with our sense of his environment.
One device has the sound being captured from microphones hidden behind his ears, so we hear what he does in the way he does. This is an amazing experience by itself. The walls of this initial set are bare concrete and the acoustics amplify the effect. We are told that when one leaves the room, the face must be covered or the adventurer will die.
When an outsider appears in the room, a whole new set is used: identical in all its parts but larger.
It takes a while for us to fully merge selves and environment, during which time the filmmaker provides some scant story, enough to divert us: death.
Once he leaves the initial confinement, the film is a series of episodes, each one blocked and filmed in a different style, each with a unique filmmaker. This open variety of senses of space would be a contrast in any film, but coming from the initial coffin, it makes this purely about space.
There is some sex, music, temporary jailing... In each new space, our man enters it by trying to emulate what he sees. Also what he hears, but that has already been conflated into space. These sequences were filmed in order, so we can see the digestion of space in a pretty believable and readable way.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
But all that is just the scaffold for an extraordinarily success cinematic experiment. It is about place and how we emotionally experience it. The story starts in a small, seemingly post- apocalyptic concrete cell occupied by Bubby and his mother. Some significant skill has gone into merging his sense of self with our sense of his environment.
One device has the sound being captured from microphones hidden behind his ears, so we hear what he does in the way he does. This is an amazing experience by itself. The walls of this initial set are bare concrete and the acoustics amplify the effect. We are told that when one leaves the room, the face must be covered or the adventurer will die.
When an outsider appears in the room, a whole new set is used: identical in all its parts but larger.
It takes a while for us to fully merge selves and environment, during which time the filmmaker provides some scant story, enough to divert us: death.
Once he leaves the initial confinement, the film is a series of episodes, each one blocked and filmed in a different style, each with a unique filmmaker. This open variety of senses of space would be a contrast in any film, but coming from the initial coffin, it makes this purely about space.
There is some sex, music, temporary jailing... In each new space, our man enters it by trying to emulate what he sees. Also what he hears, but that has already been conflated into space. These sequences were filmed in order, so we can see the digestion of space in a pretty believable and readable way.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
Unusual almost horrific
mrinman23 May 2006
A very strange and at times dark film that is basically in two parts. The first is Bubby as a prisoner to his mother, kept from going out under various threats that scare him. The second is his release from the basement into a world as mad as his other one.
Nick Hope as Bubby is brilliant. He has had no education but can copy what has been said to him. In this bizarre almost Monty Pythonesque way he stumbles around his new world with sayings he has picked up from either his mother or estranged father. Everyone he meets adds to his vocabulary until he has a weird, twisted dictionary that is used to successfully front a rock band with. Very odd, cleverly directed and worth checking out but not for the faint hearted.
Nick Hope as Bubby is brilliant. He has had no education but can copy what has been said to him. In this bizarre almost Monty Pythonesque way he stumbles around his new world with sayings he has picked up from either his mother or estranged father. Everyone he meets adds to his vocabulary until he has a weird, twisted dictionary that is used to successfully front a rock band with. Very odd, cleverly directed and worth checking out but not for the faint hearted.
Brilliant!
Jesposo16 July 2004
One of the most beautiful and yet thought provoking movies I've ever seen! Nick Hope is wonderful in this story about humanity and alienation - we can see a man uninfluenced by our norms and culture and realize how narrow-minded we actually are... The camera-work is perfect, the rest of the cast are so... real, yes, even if the subject matter is quite surreal it feels very true and, maybe more important, very HONEST. I have never seen anything like this movie and it sure is one of the best ones I've ever seen. I would love to get a chance to see any other of De Heer's movies. Bad criticism? Yeah, my terrible VHS-copy, someone PLEASE release this movie on DVD!!!
What did I just watch?
akurschybee21 March 2021
This is, by far, the strangest movie I've EVER SEEN but I'm also disappointed that it took me this long to find it. It's all kinds of messed up but in a strange, bizarre, hilarious manner. There are some things that I can't un-see but over all it's a great film that takes you down a crazy rabbit hole of insane. Loved it! But be warned - like I said - there may be parts you can't un-see.
Some Of The Funniest Scenes I've Ever Seen.
daveisit6 December 2000
Many people have found this movie overly confronting and ultimately very disturbing. If you give it a chance it gets you thinking and had me laughing uncontrollably. Some of Bubby's interactions with the outside world were hilarious. It's far from a comedy though, and will bring you through many emotions before the movies over.
Definitely worth watching. (7.5 out of 10)
Definitely worth watching. (7.5 out of 10)
Daringly bizarre. Even once you've embraced the disturbing themes and surreal delivery, it continues to take turns towards the unexpected.
youngcollind21 December 2022
The first movement is pure depravity. Exploring a worst case scenario child rearing situation similar to Room, only through a much more grotesque lens. The stark score coupled with depictions of incest and real dead animals had me squirming. It's a hard watch, but captivating all the same.
Then somehow it morphs into a dopey indie comedy which isn't quite as strong. It has some Crocodile Dundee style fish out of water gags, but probably a more apt comparison would be some kind of R rated Forest Gump. The gimmick where he can only repeat what people say feels a bit lazy and redundant, and the sophomoric sexuality often pushes the boundaries of good taste. There's a segment with disabled actors and I'm honestly not sure if it's inclusive or offensive, and would be genuinely curious how someone closer to that community felt about it. One community I can speak for is noise rock musicians, and I was totally digging his band, which whether intentional or not, was a perfect parody of Nick Cave's whole shtick.
It's a bit of a run on sentence, and just keeps going despite there being several times where it probably should have landed the plane. Nevertheless, it's knack for grimy, button pushing insanity is in a league of it's own, so while it may not be perfect, it's sure to have a lasting impression.
Then somehow it morphs into a dopey indie comedy which isn't quite as strong. It has some Crocodile Dundee style fish out of water gags, but probably a more apt comparison would be some kind of R rated Forest Gump. The gimmick where he can only repeat what people say feels a bit lazy and redundant, and the sophomoric sexuality often pushes the boundaries of good taste. There's a segment with disabled actors and I'm honestly not sure if it's inclusive or offensive, and would be genuinely curious how someone closer to that community felt about it. One community I can speak for is noise rock musicians, and I was totally digging his band, which whether intentional or not, was a perfect parody of Nick Cave's whole shtick.
It's a bit of a run on sentence, and just keeps going despite there being several times where it probably should have landed the plane. Nevertheless, it's knack for grimy, button pushing insanity is in a league of it's own, so while it may not be perfect, it's sure to have a lasting impression.
One of my favorites of all time!
buckley279 February 2006
Whew! what can I say.. I know that this movie is not for everyone... but it is definitely in my top 3 of all time.
When I first discovered this movie years ago in a dusty rack in the back of my local alterno store it enthralled me. I copied it and gave out copies as often as I could I warned everyone I gave the film to that the first five minutes are some of the most oppressive frames ever exposed in film... I think they might even be worse than Eraserhead. I warned that they needed to get through this and that on the other side was an amazing life affirming movie. Sadly.. most of them reported back that they could not make it through the first five minutes.
That primarily is why I don't think this film is for everyone. The makers knew it would take a certain kind of commitment to appreciate the universal message of this film. The childlike education of Bubby is crafted so well, the subtext in this film is layered so deep it took me dozens of viewings to sort it all out. In a way it's sort of like a more deviant (if you can imagine that) yet sincere version of TOMMY.
Yes, it's that good. If you haven't seen it, please, oh please do. And, make sure you make it through the first five minutes an you will be rewarded with an amazing experience....
'How not breathe?'
When I first discovered this movie years ago in a dusty rack in the back of my local alterno store it enthralled me. I copied it and gave out copies as often as I could I warned everyone I gave the film to that the first five minutes are some of the most oppressive frames ever exposed in film... I think they might even be worse than Eraserhead. I warned that they needed to get through this and that on the other side was an amazing life affirming movie. Sadly.. most of them reported back that they could not make it through the first five minutes.
That primarily is why I don't think this film is for everyone. The makers knew it would take a certain kind of commitment to appreciate the universal message of this film. The childlike education of Bubby is crafted so well, the subtext in this film is layered so deep it took me dozens of viewings to sort it all out. In a way it's sort of like a more deviant (if you can imagine that) yet sincere version of TOMMY.
Yes, it's that good. If you haven't seen it, please, oh please do. And, make sure you make it through the first five minutes an you will be rewarded with an amazing experience....
'How not breathe?'
Well-made but hard to recommend to most
Jeremy_Urquhart19 October 2022
I don't think I was expecting this to be an easy watch, but I definitely didn't think it was going to go to the places it went. And it went to some of its wildest and weirdest places in the opening scenes, to boot.
This is an Australian drama (plus maybe a dark comedy, in some ways?) about a man who's kept locked away from the world until he's in his 30s, and then how he responds to the world - and how the world responds to him - when he eventually breaks free. I guess from the premise and structure alone, it reminded me a bit of 2015's Room, but with very, very different execution, and an incredibly different energy, too.
I found parts really uncomfortable but other parts quite emotionally affecting. It's a strange movie and not always easy to watch (actually it's almost never easy to watch) but I can't deny it was really well-made, and Nicholas Hope in the lead role was very good, too.
I can't imagine how startling this would have been nearly 30 years ago, because it's still pretty shocking and intense now. It makes it hard to know who might like it, when it comes to recommending it... but for anyone wanting something truly offbeat and unique, it could well scratch that itch.
This is an Australian drama (plus maybe a dark comedy, in some ways?) about a man who's kept locked away from the world until he's in his 30s, and then how he responds to the world - and how the world responds to him - when he eventually breaks free. I guess from the premise and structure alone, it reminded me a bit of 2015's Room, but with very, very different execution, and an incredibly different energy, too.
I found parts really uncomfortable but other parts quite emotionally affecting. It's a strange movie and not always easy to watch (actually it's almost never easy to watch) but I can't deny it was really well-made, and Nicholas Hope in the lead role was very good, too.
I can't imagine how startling this would have been nearly 30 years ago, because it's still pretty shocking and intense now. It makes it hard to know who might like it, when it comes to recommending it... but for anyone wanting something truly offbeat and unique, it could well scratch that itch.
The worst movie I have ever seen.
Maa-Jussi10 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is so sickening, I almost threw up watching it. I'm not saying that the movie isn't made well. I just wish it wasn't made at all.
The movie is very dark, by this I mean low lighting and also the theme of the film. A boy who probably got sick because his mother was sick enough to raise her son completely indoors and on top of that she has used him sexually. Is it any wonder the boy doesn't know right from wrong or good from bad. Watching this movie will make you feel disgusted about the things people may do to each other and even to their own children. Oh, how sick this world, we live in, really is.
I guess some people would enjoy watching these kind of movies, I'm just not one of them. When ever I see a bad movie, I compare it to this one and I haven't yet seen anything even closely this horrible.
The movie is very dark, by this I mean low lighting and also the theme of the film. A boy who probably got sick because his mother was sick enough to raise her son completely indoors and on top of that she has used him sexually. Is it any wonder the boy doesn't know right from wrong or good from bad. Watching this movie will make you feel disgusted about the things people may do to each other and even to their own children. Oh, how sick this world, we live in, really is.
I guess some people would enjoy watching these kind of movies, I'm just not one of them. When ever I see a bad movie, I compare it to this one and I haven't yet seen anything even closely this horrible.
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