Pusteblume

Before viewing this movie, I had only heard stories of the legend Rutger Hauer. I never had the chance to see the man in action, that is until I picked up a copy of Pusteblume on VHS for $2.99. (Best $2.99 i've spent in quite some time.) Rutger Hauer takes to the screen and puts on a great performance that I will always remember. In one scene, for no reason, Rick (Rutger) decides to do a handstand on his bead, (yes you are reading this correctly) it's then when he is in full stance on his head that the phone rings. Any other non-gymnastic talented person would get out of headstand stance and answer the phone. Not Rutger! Rutger answers the phone while standing on his head, has a two line conversation, and instead of hanging up the phone like you and me, Rutger throws it across the room. After watching this film, I am now on the hunt to find other Rutger classics!

I really enjoyed this 1970s exploitation gem from Germany. Jess Franco regular Adrian Hoven directs, and future 'Blade Runner' star Rutger Hauer plays a disaffected sailor turned hard drinking womaniser. Quite a few lovelies appear alongside Hauer (most of whom he beds), including the foxy Dagmar Lassander ('Forbidden Photos Of A Lady Above Suspicion') and Shirley Corrigan ('The Devil's Nightmare'). Rutger returns home from six months at sea to find his wife (Corrigan), whom he was deeply in love, has unexpectedly left him and is now a junkie whore. Devastated, he tries to ease his pain with booze and cheap thrills. His wife's best friend (Lassander, who is a major babe, and yes, shows us her goodies) makes a move on him, and when he spurns her (after scewing her first, naturally) she plots her revenge. She does so in an ingenious way, by exploiting a fantasy woman of his, but her plan backfires with tragic consequences. I watched a badly dubbed, badly transferred old VHS tape, but I highly recommend this movie to exploitation fans. It mixes sleaze, comedy and drama to good effect. Rutger is super cool throughout, there's plenty of nudity, and there's one hysterical bit where Mr. Hauer jams with a band on wah-wah guitar which cracks me up everytime I think about it. Though there are many unintentional laughs it isn't all kitch fun, and things get pretty heavy in places. I especially recommended it to anyone who digs pre-Hollywood Verhoeven like 'Turkish Delight' and 'Spetters'. This is kinda sorta in that ballpark. 'Dandelions' doesn't deserve to languish in obscurity any longer. Essential viewing for all Rutger Hauer fans.

A pre-fame Hauer.

He plays a drunken, womanizing lout to absolute perfection here.

He seemed as if he didn't really know why he needed to act this way. But when we find out his past we almost (key word here, ALMOST) feel bad for him.

Hauer's character couldn't handle rejection so he takes it out on everybody. It's like a non-physical suicide.

Hauer chews up the screen here in the role. It's almost as if he enjoyed looking like a pathetic loser. He did a great job.

Hauer fans take note. The man can act.

He co-starred with Stallone in Nighthawks. I wonder if they both knew they got their start in soft X flicks.

When Hauer made it as an international star (yes, even in the US of A), many of his lesser known and lesser in general films began to surface to cash in on his star. This is one of the most memorable. Even at a young age, Hauer had the burnt-out anti-hero down pat. Here he boozes heavily, abuses women (he was betrayed by one) and rides around on a motorcycle. It's tasteless and trashy, but it has some moments, like the never-ending sadistic sex scene which have to be seen to be believed. It's not that hard to find. The dubbing is the best part.

This confused attempt to replicate the success of Turkish Delight does have some oddball moments that make it slightly entertaining and of mild interest to Rutger Hauer fans. Mainly I'm referring to the bizarro band scene where Rutger hops on stage to fake-play a guitar. Crazy dancing ensues. The whole thing is reminiscent of some of those wild partying moments in Reefer Madness.

The ending comes about in a perfunctory manner and leaves you giggling rather than feeling introspective. "Yeah, right," was the first thought that came to mind. I wouldn't put this on a must-watch list for anybody, even big Rutger fans. Instead, pick up the Verhoeven box set which contains Turkish Delight, Katie Tippel and Soldier of Orange. You'll feel much better about yourself in the morning.