Episode 58 Tribute Re-release: Rubber Johnny, a wildly problematic viral short film (with Nic Fornasier)

PSYCHOCINEMATIC

TRANSCRIPT HERE

Our 2nd tribute episode to our beloved Nic Fornasier is here, with a special release from the Patron archives.

Nic joined Steph to gush about Chris Cunningham and his controversial (and deeply problematic) short film, Rubber Johnny. Nic shares why he loves it so much and how it inspired his own passion for film, as well as highlights the exciting time of early 00's music videos.

Then of course Steph shares why it’s such a yucky depiction of disability and debate exactly how problematic it is. Nic's love for Chris Cunningham doesn't diminish but he learns a thing or two about disability representation maybe?

Watch the short film Rubber Johnny, with music by Aphex Twin, directed by Chris Cunningham.

Content warning: abuse, chemical restraint/prn due to behaviour, drug use, disability used as horror, discussion of visual gore and ableist tropes. Nothing bad happens to the dog.

NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be therapeutic, prescriptive or constitute a formal diagnosis for any listener, nor the characters discussed. The host is not representative of all psychologists and opinions stated are her own personal opinion, based on her own learnings and training (and minimal lived experience). Host and co-hosts do not have the final say and can only comment based on their own perspectives, so please let us know if you dispute any of these opinions – we are keen for feedback!

We also mention:

The Gucci ad

Windowlicker by Aphex Twin (dir. Chris Cunningham)

Come To Daddy by Aphex Twin (dir. Chris Cunningham)

Salad Fingers (by David Firth)

References:

• Halloween Love: Remembering Rubber Johnny: The Disturbing Short Film That Inspired the Horror Genre
• Aphex Twin: Rubber Johnny - 4:3
• Rubber Johnny by Chris Cunningham & Aphex Twin – Sound Art Zone
• Hydrocephalus | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Imdb page
• Snopes entry