In order to connect with Vulcanizadora you can either go in cold like I did and trust in its flow, or try in some ways to understand its creator, American film director and screenwriter, Joel Potrykus. Now into his fifth feature film, Potrykus has established the moniker, “The New King of Underground Cinema” for his dalliance in the newly formed sub genre metal slackerism. In fact, Vulcanizadora is in itself a sequel from his earlier feature Buzzard, picking up with its two central characters Marty (Joshua Burge) and Derek (played by Potrykus. Not that you need to have seen Buzzard before this as Vulcanizadora serves as a scrutiny of these characters 10 years later with a focus on the impacts and hardships of middle aged men who bear no driving force or will to carry them through life and instead are drifting aimlessly. What traumatic history they have ebbs to the surface, threatening to claw its way out of the skin to make an impact, but our two leads are all two willing to wallow and bury their inner feelings to the detriment of their own wellbeing. The psychological impact this has will soon come crashing down around them and the consequences must be addressed before their souls can finally rest.
While all that may sound deep, the manner in which Potrykus handles their journey is painfully funny, and profoundly introspective, that by the journey’s end, will leave its own residual energy with you, to ponder; a sign of a director who not only owns his vision, but utilises it in a fashion that will connect and deliver this message with significant feeling or emotion.
The Prognosis:
Part of this appeal is the synergy crafted in Potrykus’ choice in music, weaving together the harmonious vocals of Maria Callas operatics and then fusing this with a juxtaposing contrast with the raw and gritty chords from Sepultura. This in many ways is a metaphor for the whole film, constantly drifting between a calm, serene experience where nature surrounds us all providing time for transcendence but is swiftly followed by a cut to the cerebral, grounding reality of life and its many obstacles. How we choose to embrace or battle these elements in life will either make us or break us, but to face up to these challenges, one must be true to yourself; a pool that Potrykus enjoys playing in. We encourage you to take the trip and raise your own questions.
- Saul Muerte
Catch the screening of Vulcanizadora at the Sydney Underground Film Festival at Dendy, Newtown.
Screening times and tickets available below:
Surgeons of Horror 