Ex Drummer

Ex Drummer is an intoxicating blend of raw energy, vulgar comedy, and harrowing brutalism, directed by the Belgian filmmaker Koen Mortier. Released in 2007, this Flemish drama film is based on the novel of the same name written by Herman Brusselmans.

Perhaps the best way to understand Ex Drummer is to describe it as a punk rock tale of decadence and degeneration, spliced with sharp satirical criticism. With Dries Vanhegen, Norman Baert, and Gunter Lamoot leading the cast, the film’s narrative sways through a course of outrageous scenarios, extreme personalities, and a somewhat dystopian backdrop.

In the movie, Dries (played by Dries Vanhegen), a successful novelist and celebrity in his own right, finds himself oddly drawn into the chaotic underworld of a hardcore punk band. This unconventional group comprises three dysfunctional characters: Koen de Geyter (Norman Baert), an abusive and homophobic bass player suffering from a debilitating speech impediment; Ivan Van Dorpe (Sam Louwyck), the transgressive guitarist with a paralyzed right arm; and Jan Verbeek (Gunter Lamoot), the partially deaf and intellectually impaired singer who has a dominating mother-figure in his life.

Attracting Dries's attention somehow, they invite him to be their drummer for an upcoming rock band contest, despite him admitting he can't play the drums. Intrigued by the quirkiness of this request and their seemingly surreal existence, Dries sees material for his new novel in their lives and agrees to be part of the band. Thus, they name the band "The Feminists," a stark contrast to their aggressive appearances and abrasive personalities.

However, Dries isn't just an observer. He fits into the movie's landscape of bizarre, yet engrossing characters, representing a kind of cynical nihilism that is both repellant and intriguing. He is a manipulator. Dries sees the band mates' disabilities and disadvantages not as obstacles but as material to his next creation, intensively exploiting the situation to his advantage.

What unfolds in Ex Drummer is a carnivalesque display of raw punk rock energy, trashy urban landscapes, and nihilistic characters whirl into a cinematic experience like no other. The film's offbeat humor often gives way to naked displays of violence, fueling its narrative descent into the grotesque and the disturbing.

Guitarist Ivan's relationship with his girlfriend Lio (Dolores Bouckaert), the band's encounters with rivals "Harry Mulisch" and "Dorian Gray," the tragicomic reality of Jan's mother (François Beukelaers), and the existential provocations by Dries all add up to the overall narrative complexity of the film. The movie’s trudging journey toward the rather catastrophic band contest forms the crux of the story.

Koen Mortier weaves the narrative with a fabric of grim hyperrealism, mannerist expressions, and a raw visual language. The experimental nature of Ex Drummer is heightened by its scornful commentary on socio-cultural norms and its stark portrayal of humanity’s darker aspects. This is a movie that simultaneously discomforts, entices, and compels the viewer with its unique approach to storytelling.

Ex Drummer boasts distinctively potent performances from its lead cast, particularly Dries Vanhegen, whose calm demeanor adds a brilliant counterbalance to the chaotic world around him. Similarly, Norman Baert, Gunter Lamoot, and Sam Louwyck deliver performances that bring the film's eccentricity alive.

The robust soundtrack is also a vital part of the Ex Drummer experience, featuring a contrasting collection of punk, rock, and even classical music. The grungy cinematography and vibrant graphic imagery contribute to the movie's punk aesthetic.

In essence, Ex Drummer, with its challenging narrative, bold performances, and raw cinematography, is not just a film but a brutal assault on the senses. It is a vulgar and violent descent into the world of punk rock culture, a dark exploration of human flaws and vulnerabilities, and a biting satire on the idea of success and art. With its unapologetic deviation from conventional storytelling, Ex Drummer warrants a watch for viewers interested in off-kilter cinema. It's a film that dares to navigate through societal taboos and contemporary standards, boldly presenting a narrative that is as compelling as it is repelling.