Barber Gull Rub 2008
In *Barber Gull Rub (2008)*, director Matthew Rankin crafts a quirky slice of Winnipeg Film Group history set against the frost-bitten backdrop of 1986.
Director: Matthew Rankin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barber Gull Rub (2008) about?
This short comedy revisits a surreal moment in Winnipeg's film history, where director Guy Maddin asked for a volunteer to have a dead seagull rubbed on their chest as part of his then-in-progress film *Tales from the Gimli Hospital*. The film turns a bizarre request into a lighthearted exploration of artistic commitment and the unexpected behind-the-scenes stories that shape cinema.
Who directed Barber Gull Rub?
Matthew Rankin directed *Barber Gull Rub (2008)*. The film was commissioned by the Winnipeg Film Group's Cinematheque for its 25th anniversary.
Who stars in Barber Gull Rub?
The short stars Dave Barber and Darcy Fehr, with Barber famously volunteering for the film's unconventional centerpiece.
Is Barber Gull Rub (2008) worth watching?
*Barber Gull Rub* is a niche gem best suited for fans of experimental cinema or those who appreciate offbeat, behind-the-scenes trivia. At just three minutes long, it's a quick, conversation-starting watch rather than a substantial narrative experience. Its value lies in its quirky charm and historical tidbit appeal.
How long is Barber Gull Rub?
The runtime for *Barber Gull Rub (2008)* is 3 minutes.
About Barber Gull Rub (2008) — A 3-Minute Comedy That's Equal Parts Odd and Captivating
In *Barber Gull Rub (2008)*, director Matthew Rankin crafts a quirky slice of Winnipeg Film Group history set against the frost-bitten backdrop of 1986. Commissioned for the Cinematheque's 25th anniversary, this three-minute comedy delves into the bizarre intersection of art and absurdity when filmmaker Guy Maddin, then shooting *Tales from the Gimli Hospital*, requests a willing participant to endure a dead seagull being rubbed on their chest. The act isn't just for shock value—it's a playful nod to experimental cinema's willingness to embrace the unconventional and the tactile.
The film's offbeat charm lies in its deadpan delivery and the unflinching collaboration between Maddin's vision and Dave Barber's willingness to become an unlikely footnote in local film lore. Rankin's direction leans into the surreal, transforming a fleeting gag into a cheeky commentary on artistic dedication and the serendipitous moments that define underground cinema. With its minimal runtime and maximal eccentricity, *Barber Gull Rub* is a testament to the power of the whimsical in filmmaking.