Exploring the Disturbing Vignettes of Rufus: A Review
Director and co-writer Mars Roberge presents Rufus, a collection of five disturbing vignettes. Rufus, played by “’Freeway” Ricky Ross, is MC of the anthology, wherein he stands on a corner in an inner-city neighborhood telling stories to anyone who will stop and listen. The stories all feature some element of body horror, ranging from a mortician who drinks on duty with horrible results, to men suffering in a locked-in vegetative state due to a medical research experiment gone wrong. Another story involves a singer being cast in a show she definitely regrets trying out for. In the hospital story, a nurse manages to make a telepathic breakthrough to the patients with her powerful dance moves. The stories are all told haphazardly, as if Rufus has been smoking weed all day before meandering out to find people to listen to his gruesome tales. At one point his wife (Rah Digga) comes out to get him off the street, but she winds up adding to his audience for the remaining yarns he spins out.
“… a collection of five disturbing vignettes …” The proceedings in Rufus are low-budget and low-brow. The acting is hammy and weird, and the stories are fragments of ideas borrowed from other works. On the other hand, if you are profoundly altered like Rufus, there’s an intense “whoa, that’s f****d up” sensation to be had from watching. The actor playing Rufus has an interesting past himself. Paraphrasing from Wikipedia: Ricky Donnell “Freeway Ricky” Ross is a writer and former drug lord best known for the drug empire he established in L.A. in the 1980s. He was sentenced to life in prison but released in 2009. The nickname “Freeway” came from Ross owning properties along Los Angeles’ Interstate. He demonstrates charisma and style telling the stories in Rufus and he seems to be having fun doing the part. Rufus is not intellectual cinema, but rather a film you can run in the background at a party and look up occasionally to check in on the outrageous chaos in the tall tales being told. These are messed up campfire tales for an urban audience.
FAQs
1. What is the premise of Rufus?
Rufus is a collection of five disturbing vignettes presented by director Mars Roberge. The MC, Rufus, played by “’Freeway” Ricky Ross, tells gruesome stories with elements of body horror to anyone who will listen.
2. Who is Ricky Ross and what is his role in the film?
Ricky Ross, also known as “Freeway Ricky,” is a former drug lord turned writer. In Rufus, he plays the character of Rufus with charisma and style, adding depth to the disturbing tales he narrates.
3. What can viewers expect from the acting in Rufus?
The acting in Rufus is described as low-budget and low-brow, with a touch of hammy and weird performances. While not aiming for intellectual cinema, the actors bring a sense of outrageous chaos to the screen.
4. How does Rufus differ from traditional cinema?
Rufus is not your typical intellectual cinema; instead, it offers a unique viewing experience suitable for running in the background at parties. The film provides messed up campfire tales for an urban audience.
5. What sets Rufus apart from other anthology films?
Rufus stands out with its collection of disturbing vignettes that delve into body horror and urban tales. The unconventional storytelling approach and charismatic performance by Ricky Ross add a layer of intrigue to the film.
6. Is Rufus recommended for a specific type of audience?
Rufus is best suited for viewers who enjoy unconventional storytelling, body horror, and urban-themed narratives. Those looking for a unique cinematic experience with a touch of chaos will appreciate what Rufus has to offer.
7. How does the film balance horror and storytelling elements?
Rufus intertwines elements of body horror with urban storytelling, creating a blend of disturbing yet captivating narratives. The stories told by Rufus offer a glimpse into a world of chaos and intrigue.
8. What is the overall atmosphere of Rufus?
Rufus exudes an intense and “whoa, that’s f****d up” sensation, keeping viewers engaged with its unconventional tales. The film’s urban backdrop and charismatic narrator add to its unique atmosphere.
9. How does Rufus contribute to the horror genre?
Rufus adds a fresh perspective to the horror genre by exploring body horror and urban themes through a series of disturbing vignettes. The film’s unconventional approach and charismatic performances elevate its impact.
10. Is Rufus a film worth watching?
While Rufus may not be for everyone, it offers a unique and engaging viewing experience for those interested in unconventional storytelling and body horror. The film’s campfire tales and charismatic narrator make it a noteworthy addition to the horror genre.
Conclusion
Rufus, directed by Mars Roberge and featuring “’Freeway” Ricky Ross, presents a collection of disturbing vignettes that delve into body horror and urban tales. While the film may not be traditional intellectual cinema, it offers a unique viewing experience with its unconventional storytelling and charismatic performances. Viewers looking for a blend of chaos, intrigue, and horror will find Rufus to be a captivating watch.