Color, 1993, 114m. / Directed by Rolf de Heer / Starring Nicholas Hope, Claire Benito, Ralph Cotterill, Carmel Johnson / Blue Underground (US R1 NTSC) / WS (2.35:1) (16:9) / DD5.1
An utterly mad Australian cult item, Bad Boy Bubby won a slew of awards upon its release and made the rounds in film festivals, finally hitting
Usually screened in bland
The extras department kicks off with a 24-minute featurette, "Christ Kid, You're a Weirdo," in which de Heer talks about the making of the film and how he maintained the film's unique tone through the various episodes of the story, supplemented with numerous clips and production stills from the film. His other projects are also briefly covered, represented by some quick stills and clips. Then it's Hope's turn at bat with "Being Bubby," a 15-minute chat in which the actor (lounging on a sofa surrounded by film cannisters) explains his methods for creating the unusual protagonist. Worth returns in "Confessor Caressor," a 1989 short film (in 1.33:1) by Timothy Nicholls, as a grinning psychopath taking a camera team on a tour of his hellish, cross-covered domain (complete with tape recordings of his victims). Say what you will, the last shot won't be forgotten anytime soon. The package is rounded out with the Australian theatrical trailer and poster and still galleries.
Poor 35-year-old man-child Bubby. Raised his entire life within the confines of his home by a deviant mother who warn him the air outside is toxic, he
has no knowledge of the "real" world outside (apart from the occasional cats who contribute to his violent daily routine). When Bubby's errant dad suddenly returns, Bubby gradually begins to realize that there might be something beyond his front door after all and, after a nasty twist, finds his wish granted. However, civilization proves to be even more alien than he imagined as he meets a wide combination of people ranging from helpful to helpful, finding gigs as diverse as a hostile nightclub performer and a decidedly seedy priest. Possible salvation arrives courtesy of a ward for disabled children whose nurse takes a shine to Bubby and offers him a taste of the joys of life.
home video in most countries where it received more than its share of praise. However, its skewed sensibilities were apparently too much for American distributors who decided to let it linger in the private libraries courtesy of word of mouth on the fan circuit. Too bad really as this is one of the most memorable Aussie comedies of the 1990s, one that makes the grim worldview of Muriel's Wedding positively radiant in comparison. Director Rolf de Heer (who helmed the equally discomfiting and remarkable Dance Me to My Song two years later) maintains a sure grip on the material, never allowing it to descend into buffoonery or pointless bad taste. There's plenty of potentially offensive material to be sure, especially for those of a devout nature, but everything clicks together in service of the story with a peculiar gesture of salvation waiting at the end. Of course the real star here is Nicholas Hope (whose later work ranges from Hal Hartley's Henry Fool to Scooby Doo), who stays in character as the thoroughly unpredictable Bubby - a man who's pitiful, hilarious, or terrifying from one moment to the next.
VHS editions, Bad Boy Bubby gets a much-needed makeover courtesy of Blue Underground's DVD. The original scope framing is nicely preserved with excellent color and detail; note that a few scenes were deliberately shot to appear grungy and dull, so that's not a flaw of the transfer. As an opening notation explains, the film was shot with a deliberately bizarre sound mix in which sounds often emit from the speaker opposite their source in order to simulate the mental condition of the hero. It's an eccentric choice to be sure, but the results constantly keep viewers on their toes - with a nicely textured 5.1 mix to complete the experience. The original 2.0 stereo mix is also included.
