Movies

In ‘Vulcanizadora,’ the limits of guilt and anxiety are probed

BBG News

The sarcastic meme phrase “Are men alright?” undergoes a grimly humorous yet profoundly tragic transformation in Joel Potrykus’ “Vulcanizadora.” This film centers around two unfortunate individuals embarking on a distressing odyssey into the woods close to Lake Michigan. The film offers a remarkable, almost hypnotic portrayal of a peculiar, bittersweet friendship as it navigates towards a very bleak destination.

The term “Vulcanizadora” doesn’t imply it lacks a unique perspective. Instead, Potrykus’ cinematic universe – crafted through modest productions like “Buzzard” and “Relaxer” – is a stagnant atmosphere of failure that surrounds a particular kind of unashamed, bitter, and immature man. For this character, life’s greatest challenges are akin to video-game levels or trivial pranks. Mel Brooks humorously framed our view on misfortune when he said, “Tragedy is when I cut my finger, comedy is when you fall into an open sewer and die.” However, Potrykus, whose collection of slacker micro-apocalypses has become as distinct as any in the DIY indie world, seems determined to explore a troubling yet poetic area between these extremes. Here, your laughter might be tinged with a slight revulsion, and at times you’ll watch as if observing a half-crushed insect still struggling to move.

Vulcanizadora” is a term that refers to a 10-year follow-up film to the movie titled “Buzzard”. The word “sequel” may sound too commercial or profit-driven for such low-key, artisanal productions like this one. Nevertheless, it might not be essential to know this detail. As the story unfolds and human characters emerge from the peaceful greenery captured by Adam J. Minnick’s 16mm cinematography, it becomes clear who the main characters Marty (portrayed by Joshua Burge, a longtime collaborator of Potrykus) and Derek (Potrykus himself) are: they are inexperienced campers, eccentric individuals, tight friends, emotionally immature men, and people on a mission to complete a commitment they have made to each other.

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The specifics of their agreement are unclear at first, but the direction of their travels appears to favor indulging Derek’s vices, such as bottle rockets, pretend martial arts, drinking Jaeger from a canteen, adult magazines. On the other hand, Marty, who looks disheartened and resentful about deviating from their mission, seems tormented by guilt following a recent jail term for arson, specifically setting a building ablaze. (Marty’s downward spiral into petty crime was the underlying storyline in “Buzzard,” although it is most recognized for a lengthy scene of him sloppily eating spaghetti, which borders on grunge performance art.)

In simpler terms, Burge’s character is captivating, reminiscent of an R. Crumb character brought to life, and it’s almost heart-warming how much trust Potrykus places in the raw power of maintaining an awkward grandiosity that makes us feel more empathy for Marty’s miserable situation rather than laughing at him. However, Potrykus, who was often the target of ridicule in “Buzzard,” also gives himself room to turn this into a genuine two-person story when Derek’s own regrets start to surface – he has a 5-year-old son he knows he’s not fit to be a good father to. This allows us to see the lost man within the arrested adolescent. Potrykus skillfully extracts deep psychological insights from every anxious utterance of Derek, making them increasingly raw and eventually sorrowful.

After pouring out some long-hidden feelings and perhaps facing a tough truth head-on, Derek attempts to reassure his friend that talking about it makes him feel better. However, Marty is quick to remind him that tomorrow those feelings might return just as strongly. This seems true as well, serving as the harsh lesson of this story.

On the dazzling edge of the lake, “Vulcanizadora” unfolds in a chilling, ludicrous turn of events that, while not entirely unexpected, sets in motion an offbeat, whimsical, and farcical climax exploring the intricate ties of friendship. Although the conclusion is somber, it might prompt a smile, followed by a pang of guilt, then a laugh – and it’s at this moment you understand Potrykus has skillfully manipulated your emotions.

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2025-05-09 21:01

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