Just to get the basic premise out of the way up front: yes, Rubber is a film about a sentient car tyre called Robert who somehow springs to life and starts rolling around the California desert, going on a killing spree thanks to some psychic powers he was gifted along with being able to move and think. Its the psychic killer tyre movie. If you want to know how on Earth it got made, its because its directed by Quentin Dupieux, better known as French electronic musician Mr Oizo, who probably sank a lot his Flat Eric money into the project. Plus it mocks Hollywood filmmaking throughout, so he probably wasnt going to get a major studio on side. Being a film about a killer tyre, Rubber was a commercial failure in cinemas but has a much better reputation as a result of a slowly accrued cult following, who latch onto the satirical elements and absurdist story. Its definitely not something for everyone, but for sheer ridiculousness and commitment to its premise, its certainly a lost gem.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
