Rubberface
Rubberface

Movie spotlight

Rubberface

1981
Movie
55 min
English

A teen-age girl conceals her insecurity behind a barrage of jokes — until she meets an aspiring comedian who asks for her help with his new act. Janet is an over-weight girl who has a knack for making the other children in school laugh... by making fun of her own weight. In seeing the other kids' reactions, she feels that she might have what it takes to be a comedian. She visits the local comedy club where she finds Tony Moroni who is a struggling comedian whose jokes are less than funny. Together Tony helps Janet find self-esteem and Janet helps Tony with his material.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: Bobcat GoldthwaitGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A struggling stand-up comedian, deeply insecure about his appearance and talent, grapples with his personal demons and professional aspirations. As he navigates the cutthroat world of comedy clubs, he finds himself increasingly isolated and prone to self-destructive behavior, blurring the lines between his stage persona and his real-life struggles.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Rubberface' received a mixed to positive reception, with critics often highlighting Bobcat Goldthwait's raw and unflinching portrayal of a comedian's internal turmoil. While some found the film's dark humor and introspection challenging, many praised its authenticity and Goldthwait's directorial vision in exploring the darker side of fame and ambition.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw and honest portrayal of a comedian's struggles.

  • Goldthwait's directorial style effectively captures the protagonist's inner turmoil.

  • Some found the subject matter and tone bleak, but appreciated its authenticity.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently commend the film for its genuine and often uncomfortable look at the realities of the stand-up comedy world. Viewers appreciate the vulnerability displayed by the lead character and the film's willingness to explore darker themes.

Fun Fact

Bobcat Goldthwait wrote the script for 'Rubberface' over a decade before it was produced, initially intending it as a vehicle for himself to showcase a more dramatic and introspective side beyond his well-known comedic persona.

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