Spetters (Widescreen Edition)
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Actor: Hans van Tongeren, Maarten Spanjer, Marianne Boyer, Renée Soutendijk, Toon AgterbergBrand: HAUER,RUTGER
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Dutch (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Color, Director's Cut, Dolby, DVD, Letterboxed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-11-05
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
DVD Reviews of Spetters (Widescreen Edition)
DVD Review: Dynamic drama packs a punch
Summary: 4 Stars
SPETTERS
(Netherlands - 1980)
Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
Theatrical soundtrack: Mono
While the American 'teensploitation' picture was dominated throughout the 1980's by a series of lowbrow comedies (PORKY'S, MEATBALLS, REVENGE OF THE NERDS, etc.), Dutch filmmaker Paul Verhoeven took the familiar themes of this critically reviled subgenre and transformed teen angst into high drama with SPETTERS, an exploration of youthful idealism and the journey from adolescence to maturity. Though the three main characters - ultra-confident Rien (Hans van Tongeren), closet case Eef (Toon Agterberg) and clumsy loser Hans (Maarten Spanjer) - are just as raucous and oversexed as their American counterparts, the screenplay (by Verhoeven's longtime writing collaborator Gerard Soeteman) locates their activities within a conservative small-town environment where their friendship is tested by a selfish young gold-digger (Renée Soutendijk) who seizes an opportunity to benefit from their mutual ambitions. But the narrative takes a darker turn during the latter half of the picture, where the protagonists are forced to confront such hot-button issues as sex, disability, religious faith and homosexuality.
In a commentary recorded for the original US DVD release, Verhoeven revealed how the film was originally condemned in Holland for its perceived 'misogyny' and 'homophobia' (similar accusations were also levelled against some of the director's Hollywood features, including BASIC INSTINCT and SHOWGIRLS), but none of these complaints can withstand close scrutiny. True, Soutendijk's heartbreaker is portrayed as little more than an avaricious trollop, but - as Verhoeven demonstrates - she's the only one who exhibits genuine loyalty towards van Tongeren following a horrendous accident which changes his life forever. It's also true that Agterberg's sexuality is only awakened by a brutal assault which occurs late in the film, but his character is ultimately redeemed by the brave stand he takes against his ultra-conservative father in the aftermath of his sexual awakening.
Beautifully filmed and acted (there are extended cameos from Verhoeven regulars Jeroen Krabbe and Rutger Hauer), the movie benefits from an extraordinary sexual candor, a million miles removed from the cowardly R-rated rubbish flooding American cinemas at the time. And though the sexual imagery here is only fleeting, it's also remarkably potent, and the actors are to be commended for their bravery. Sadly, Verhoeven's DVD commentary revealed that van Tongeren - a hugely talented actor with a bright future in international cinema - committed suicide two years after completion of the film.
NB. The word 'spetters' is Dutch slang for handsome, arrogant young men.
Description of Spetters (Widescreen Edition)
Three young motorcycle racers enjoy life and try to make a future for themselves.Genre: Foreign Film - Other
Rating: UN
Release Date: 7-SEP-2004
Media Type: DVD
Paul Verhoeven's story of three dirt bike buddies with motocross dreams in a small Netherlands town is just the kind of working-class soap opera one would expect from the director of Basic Instinct and Showgirls. Conniving fox Renée Soutendijk (The Fourth Man) seduces all three boys in hopes of landing a ride out of her miserable existence selling fried snacks from a gypsy van. At least she's honest about her schemes of escape, and in this predatory world that makes her a prize. Verhoeven's tone is uneven as his melodrama of dirt track glory, casual sex, and small town restlessness bounces into Fassbinder territory with scenes of gay bashing, gang rape, and suicidal despair. Only Verhoeven could pull a happy ending from all of that. Rutger Hauer and Jeroen Krabbé make appearances as the dirt bike champion and a self-promoting sportscaster. --Sean Axmaker
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