In the vast landscape of cult cinema, some films slip through the cracks, only to resurface years later, gaining a devoted following. One such film is Rubin and Ed (1991), a bizarre, yet endearing comedy that explores the unlikely friendship between two oddballs, Rubin Farr and Ed Tuttle.
Key Points
Directed by Trent Harris, this film is a quirky exploration of grief, identity, and the absurdity of life—all wrapped up in a desert adventure featuring a frozen cat named Simon. Rubin and Ed may not have made waves upon its initial release, but its eccentric charm and unique storytelling have earned it a place in the hearts of those who appreciate the weird and wonderful.
The Plot: A Quest for Closure
Rubin and Ed follows the story of Rubin Farr, played by Crispin Glover, a reclusive and socially awkward man mourning the loss of his beloved cat, Simon. Living in a cluttered, dimly lit apartment, Rubin is coerced by his overbearing mother to leave the house and make a friend. Enter Ed Tuttle, portrayed by Howard Hesseman, a down-on-his-luck salesman desperate to recruit Rubin into a self-help organization to prove to his estranged wife that he’s not a failure. The unlikely duo embarks on a surreal road trip through the Utah desert to find the perfect spot to bury Rubin’s cat, setting the stage for a series of strange and hilarious events.
A Clash of Personalities
The film thrives on the comedic tension between Rubin and Ed, two characters who couldn’t be more different. Rubin, with his eccentric fashion choices—including platform shoes and bell-bottoms—and his intense attachment to his deceased pet, represents the ultimate outsider. His behavior is erratic, and his dialogue, often nonsensical, adds to the film’s surreal atmosphere. Crispin Glover’s performance is both unsettling and captivating, perfectly capturing Rubin’s fragile psyche.
Ed, on the other hand, is a man desperately clinging to the remnants of a failed life. Hesseman imbues Ed with a mix of exasperation and earnestness, making him the perfect foil to Rubin’s oddball antics. Together, they form a partnership that is as dysfunctional as it is heartwarming. Their journey through the desert becomes a metaphor for their respective quests for self-discovery and redemption.
The Absurd and the Surreal
One of the film’s standout features is its embrace of the absurd. From Rubin’s obsession with his cat’s favorite composer, Gustav Mahler, to Ed’s frequent use of the word “asswipe” as a term of endearment, Rubin and Ed revels in its own strangeness. The desert setting serves as a blank canvas for the characters’ bizarre interactions and existential musings. The wide, barren landscapes mirror the emptiness in Rubin and Ed’s lives, while also highlighting the absurdity of their quest.
The film is peppered with dream sequences that blur the line between reality and fantasy. These moments, often involving Rubin’s visions of his “magic friend,” a mysterious woman who appears to guide him, add a layer of surrealism to the narrative. The film doesn’t shy away from its own weirdness, instead, it embraces it fully, making Rubin and Ed a unique viewing experience.
Themes of Grief and Acceptance
Beneath its offbeat humor and quirky characters, Rubin and Ed delves into deeper themes of grief and acceptance. Rubin’s refusal to bury his cat symbolizes his inability to let go of the past. His journey with Ed is as much about finding closure as it is about finding a suitable burial spot for Simon. The film’s exploration of grief is handled with a delicate balance of humor and pathos, never allowing the absurdity to overshadow the emotional core of the story.
Ed’s character arc also reflects themes of redemption and self-worth. His desperation to prove himself to his wife and his willingness to endure Rubin’s eccentricities highlight his deep-seated insecurities. As the two characters bond over their shared loneliness and failures, they begin to find solace in each other’s company, leading to a subtle but meaningful transformation.
Cult Status and Legacy
Though Rubin and Ed was largely overlooked upon its release, it has since gained a loyal following, particularly among fans of offbeat cinema. The film’s unique blend of humor, surrealism, and heartfelt storytelling has made it a cult classic. Crispin Glover’s performance, in particular, has been celebrated for its intensity and oddball charm, cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most unconventional actors.
The film’s influence extends beyond its cult status. It has inspired a number of indie filmmakers who appreciate its unapologetic embrace of the weird and the wonderful. Additionally, Rubin and Ed has found a second life through midnight screenings and online fan communities, where its quirky humor and eccentric characters continue to resonate with new audiences.
Final Thoughts: A Quirky Gem Worth Discovering
Rubin and Ed is not a film for everyone, but for those who appreciate quirky comedies and offbeat storytelling, it’s a hidden gem. Its unique blend of absurdity, humor, and emotional depth makes it a memorable cinematic experience. Whether you’re drawn to Crispin Glover’s oddball performance, the film’s surreal desert landscapes, or its exploration of grief and friendship, Rubin and Ed offers something truly special.
In a world of cookie-cutter comedies and predictable narratives, Rubin and Ed stands out as a film that dares to be different. Its charm lies in its ability to find humor and meaning in the most unlikely places—like a road trip to bury a frozen cat in the desert. For those willing to take the journey, Rubin and Ed is a delightful and thought-provoking ride through the strange and wonderful world of cult cinema.
