Rubin and Ed (1991)

Director:

Trent Harris

Writer (WGA):

Trent Harris (written by)

Release Date:

15 May 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

As soon as Ed saves Rubin's life, he's gonna kill him.

Plot:

Reclusive Rubin Farr teams up with vocal but unsuccessful multi-level salesman Ed Tuttle on a quest...

Plot Keywords:

Utah | Desert | Dead Cat | Salesman | Swimming Pool

Cast

Crispin Glover	...	Rubin Farr
Howard Hesseman	...	Ed Tuttle
Karen Black	...	Rula
Michael Greene	...	Mr. Busta
Anna Louise Daniels	...	Rubin's Mom
Brittney Lewis	...	Poster Girl
Jonathan Chapin	...	Brat
Ray Gordon	...	Barking Man
Jane Mendenhall	...	Woman By Pool
Dorene Nielsen	...	Ed's Mom
James Nielsen	...	Ed's Dad
Frank Magner	...	Bob
Diane St. Cyr	...	Bonnie
Aaron Tranberg	...	Desk Sergeant
Michael Scott	...	Jimbo

Runtime:

USA:82 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:L | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Goblin Valley State Park - Highway 24, Green River, Utah, USA

Company:

Working Title Films

Trivia:

Filmed in Utah. The area where Rubin has the dream about the girl in the bikini pointing the way out it Goblin Valley. The same area was used in Galaxy Quest during the Rock Monster scene.

Quotes:

Ed: Ever wonder why people wear clothes?
Rubin: Nope.
Ed: But...well, look at it this way. Man's best friend is his apparel. Now, you start to dress for success, and you will score with the babes, and make the big bucks. You gotta admit that's true!
Rubin: I don't have to admit that.
Ed: You have to admit that!
Rubin: No, I don't!
Ed: Yes, you do!
Rubin: I don't have to admit anything!
Ed: You have to admit there's hair on your head!
Rubin: No, I don't!
[...]

Movie Connections:

References "Late Night with David Letterman: (1987-07-28)" (1987)

Soundtrack:

Symphony #1 in D Minor

Superb Display of Acting

I presume this film to have been a "work of love" for Crispin Glover and Howard Hessman - two actors reveling in their trade just for the fun of it and for the personal challenge. The result is both hilarious (I don't use that word lightly) and gratifying, as the two never let us down, but sustain their wonderful best to the end. The budget must have been super-lean, yet the work is crafted to fit within it, resulting in a piece of comic theater that should even provide the two actors themselves with nostalgic sidesplits in years to come.

This film brought to my mind visions of "Rozmarné Léto" (Capricious Summer, by Jiri Menzel) for its humanist humor, and, less obviously, Ataque Verbal, by Albaladejo and crew, for its acting virtuosity - though by Albaladejo, I would sooner recommend Cielo Abierto to anyone unfamiliar with his work.

At first viewing, though I felt the acting good, I considered it narrow in scope. On second viewing, the depth of the characters' problems struck me: one a virtual agoraphobic recluse with little future ahead, the other a whimsical business misfit whose wife's left him. Neither has a clear view of how to escape his predicament, but both see through - or have no choice but to wrestle with - much of the phoneyness of Americana materialism and mercenary dreams.

I just wish this film were more available - and on DVD - I'd like to buy several copies to send to friends.