Rubber

Rubber

Year: 2011

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Quentin Dupieux

Sci-FiDramaMysteryHorrorComedy

In the scorching desert, a discarded tire named Robert awakens with the unsettling ability to annihilate anything that crosses his path. Initially, he targets insignificant critters and debris, but his malevolent powers soon fix on humans, particularly an enigmatic woman who captures his attention. As destruction unfolds across the arid landscape, Robert emerges as a force of chaos, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Rubber (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Rubber (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1990s

Set in the late 1990s, this period reflects a time of experimental cinema and a cultural shift towards embracing absurdity in storytelling. The late 90s were characterized by a blend of traditional narrative and unconventional plots, making it a fitting era for a film like 'Rubber'. This timeframe serves as a commentary on the evolution of film and its relationship with reality.

Location

California desert

The movie takes place in a desolate California desert, known for its arid landscape and endless horizons. This setting creates a surreal atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for the absurd events that unfold. The isolation of the desert enhances the themes of randomness and the unexpected occurrences in life.

🏜️ Desert 🎬 Filmmaking

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Rubber (2011)
Meet the key characters of Rubber (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chad (Stephen Spinella)

Chad is the sheriff who oscillates between participating in the narrative and serving as a commentator on the absurdity of the events. He embodies the chaotic response of authority to inexplicable circumstances. His role reflects an awareness of the randomness of cinema and life.

👮‍♂️ Sheriff 📽️ Commentary

The Tire (Robert)

The tire, known as Robert, is the film's central character, bringing life to inanimate objects and displaying unpredictable behavior. Its evolution from a simple tire to a sentient being capable of destruction underlines the film's absurd premise. The tire's actions challenge traditional narratives and provoke contemplation on the nature of existence.

🛞 Sentient 💣 Destructive

The Accountant (Jack Plotnick)

The accountant is a peculiar character who orchestrates the audience's engagement with the film. His attempts to manipulate the narrative through poison reflect a desire to control chaos but ultimately result in his own demise. He symbolizes the absurd lengths one might go to in pursuit of entertainment.

💼 Manipulator 🎭 Absurd

The Woman (Roxane Mesquida)

The woman becomes the object of the tire's obsession, representing the arbitrary focus of desire in the film. Her reactions to the tire's presence drive part of the narrative, illustrating how the unpredictable nature of life intertwines with personal experiences. She embodies the randomness that permeates the storyline.

👩‍🦰 Desire 🎬 Sought-after

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Rubber (2011)
Explore the central themes of Rubber (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Absurdity

The film explores the theme of absurdity, showcasing how randomness can lead to unexpected events. Through the sentient tire, it highlights the nonsensical nature of existence and the bizarre happenings that can occur without reason. This theme resonates throughout the narrative as characters react to the unpredictable chaos around them.

💥 Violence

Violence is a recurring theme, depicted through the tire's lethal abilities as it wreaks havoc on unsuspecting victims. The film satirizes the concept of violence in cinema, drawing attention to its often arbitrary nature. This theme questions the audience's perception of morality and the consequences of disregard for life.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

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