Review of Spetters (1980) by Larry J — 16 Jun 2010

While "Spetters" is over 30 years old, it is an intense romp through post "Saturday Night Fever" 1980s Netherlands. Paul Verhoeven directed the film but it is nothing like the soap opera-ish "Showgirls" or cartoonish, "Starship Troopers." In fact, Verhoeven demonstrates tremendous talent and it should be noted he is also responsible for the critically acclaimed "Soldier of Orange"; also of note is the gay interest "The Fourth Man" as well as "Basic Instinct", "Robocop" and "Total Recall".

From the beginning, interesting differences among the three male leads and a slutty blond Fientje (Renee Soutendijk) surface. Typical teen conflict between Eef (Toon Agterberg) and his pompous, pious father provides familiar hostility. "Puritanical old farmer never gives his son a break." Eef (pronounced Aeff) is the mechanic of the group. Next, we meet the golden biker boy of the group -- Rien (Hans Van Tongeren). His dad is the owner of a popular bar. Rien removes cash from the register in plain view of a father who enjoys indulging his motorcycle-driving boy. Finally, there is Hans (Maarten Spanjer). He is the comic relief of the group -- always nipping at Rien's heels. All of the boys lust, to some degree, for the conniving, whorish Fientje, a promiscuous hash house waitress, whose opportunism is rarely concealed. All of the boys idolize local cycling champion Gerrit Witkamp (Rutger Hauer in his physical prime!). Motocross is the major sport all the boys worship.

While the boys live in a rural area, most of the action takes place in Rotterdam. Early on, we see the three boys engaging in very uninhibited sex. When Eef can't get an erection, the girl pulls his cock out of his pants and starts to jack him off! When in Rotterdam, we see an unspeakable act of gay bashing perpetrated by the boys and their girlfriends. According to the director's commentary, in spite of the progressive nature in the Netherlands, gay bashing was quite common in 1980's Rotterdam. The bashing scene seems to be thrown in for shock value until later in the film when one of the boys has to face his inner desires. Another scene shows the boys masturbating to find out who has the largest cock! There is no disguising the guys' cocks with props or hands placed to obstruct the view. Such frankness is utterly delightful and refreshingly frank.

In spite of a sort of his arrogance, you may find yourself attracted to the hot Rien. There is an interesting scene where Fientje is actually fondling his cock! Unfortunately, while biking recklessly, Rien takes a spill and is paralyzed from the waist down. This ends any hope that he has of maintaining a relationship with Fientje or leaving the provincial area he has known all of his life.

Homosexuality is again approached in a negative way when Eef supplements his income by stalking, then robbing gay hustlers. This turns out to be a very unwise move. Four gay guys turn the tables on Eef. He is chased, caught, then gang raped in a brutal, shocking, but very realistic scene. The homosexual strains in "Spetters" while provocative, are the weakest or most exploitive Verhoeven directs. Amazingly, it is the actors who, by far, exceed the scripted material. Even Verhoeven's discussion on the commentary track about homosexuality is weak.

The film would launch the professional film careers for Maarten Spanjer, Renee Soutendijk, and especially the very talented Hans Van Tongeren. Van Tongeren was said to have identified with the characters he performed too much. Two years after "Spetters" was completed he committed suicide.

Verhoeven admits that the film's original reception was so vehemently negative, he would direct only one more film in the Netherlands before moving to the U.S. "Spetters" is one of the few times, perhaps even the only time, Verhoeven has used explicit sexuality in an examination of common, everyday lives -- no celebrities or upper crust glamorous, enviable styles. "Spetters" is strictly working class - but what a great excursion into Eurotrash and motocross.

Verhoeven has never been a director to produce a lighthearted romantic comedy. He consistently gives the audience a darker, more cynical view on everyday life. To say "Spetters" is not a film for every taste is putting it mildly. Sexuality and violence is very explicit. His treatment of homosexuality is troubling. I don't think Verhoeven is exactly gay bashing. Eef's slow coming to terms with his own sexuality does seem perfectly appropriate for his character, considering his background and the time and place. "Spetters" has to be viewed in its specific context, and not as emblematic of the gay community as a whole. Since there aren't any other gay characters except for Fientje's brother, it may be difficult to understand Verhoeven and screenwriter Gerard Soeteman's reason for adding a gay subplot other than to generate gay buzz. "Spetters" is a compelling story populated, for the most part, with complex, fully developed characters.

I doubt many people would have noticed or complained if "Spetters" had been released without any special features, so it's nice to have Verhoeven's commentary, filling in details about the social background in Holland, anecdotes about the cast, and discussing the film's initial reception. MGM also provides a trailer, with the film's title bizarrely and repeatedly shouted by a heavily accented Dutch narrator.

Anyone interested in Paul Verhoeven's American films should certainly make a point of seeking out his Dutch work (the rest of his pre-U.S. output is available through Anchor Bay).

AUDIO: The sound is mono, clean and serviceable.

VIDEO: The print is surprisingly in very good shape. The ratio is 1.66:1 anamorphic widescreen.

SPECIAL FEATURES: trailer and a commentary. Verhoeven, knows his stuff, and has a lot to say. He does this in an interesting fashion. Though rather dated, I recommend "Spetters" as a film worth checking out if only to watch while hearing the Verhoeven's commentary.