The Dark Backward is a grotesque, surreal black comedy that has garnered a strong cult following since its release in 1991. Directed by Adam Rifkin, the film stands as a testament to offbeat storytelling and an affinity for the truly strange. If you're looking for something along the lines of Rocko's Modern Life zapped to reality, The Dark Backward delivers an experience that is disturbing, cynically hilarious, and unapologetically weird.

The story follows Marty Malt, a socially awkward, unfunny garbage man who moonlights as a stand-up comedian with a miserable act. Marty’s best friend, Gus, is an obnoxious, pushy, and increasingly grotesque accordion player who encourages Marty to keep pursuing his stand-up career despite his obvious lack of talent.

Things take a truly surreal turn when Marty begins to grow a third arm out of his back - an event that Gus sees as Marty’s ticket to fame. As Marty's deformity becomes a spectacle to those around him, he’s thrust into the world of fickle stardom. With the help of a sleazy agent, Marty is soon performing his twisted stand-up routine on stage, with his bizarre third arm becoming the main attraction.

The film's progression spirals into an increasingly disturbing and darkly comedic territory, showcasing the depths of desperation to the absurdity of fame. The third arm becomes a metaphor for the outrageous lengths people go to in pursuit of success, recognition, and love.

The Dark Backward boasts an eclectic and talented cast that perfectly matches the film's eccentric tone.

• Judd Nelson as Marty Malt, the hapless protagonist, delivers a performance that's both unsettling and oddly sympathetic. This is NOT your Breakfast Club heartthrob.
• Bill Paxton steals the show as Gus, who descends further into repulsive and maniacal behavior as the story progresses in possibly one of his most out there performances (if you can believe it!)
• Wayne Newton plays Marty's sleazy agent, Jackie Chrome, adding to the film's grimy showbiz satire.
• The film also features supporting roles from Lara Flynn Boyle, James Caan, and Rob Lowe, who all add to the film's absurd and uncomfortable atmosphere flawlessly.

 

Although The Dark Backward was a commercial failure upon release, it has since developed a devoted cult following. The film's unapologetic weirdness, grotesque visuals, and offbeat humor have made it a staple for fans of bizarre cinema. The movie’s hyper-stylized cartoony set design, grimy atmosphere, and uncomfortable, surreal imagery are key elements that attract viewers who enjoy films that challenge conventional storytelling and visual aesthetics.

The dark, weird world Rifkin creates is reminiscent of other cult films like Eraserhead and Brazil, blending the strange with the gross and painting the mundane with a horrific brush. It’s a movie that doesn’t shy away from making viewers uncomfortable - and for many, that’s the appeal.

If you’re a fan of movies that push boundaries and defy expectations, The Dark Backward is a film that should be on your list. The film embraces its oddness from beginning to end, offering a blend of dark comedy, grotesque visuals, and a story that’s as unsettling as it is oddly sentimental.

What makes The Dark Backward great for fans of weird, cult cinema is its devotion to strangeness. From Marty’s oddball journey to fame to the film’s icky, dystopian setting, it’s a movie that thrives in the uncomfortable. It’s a unique viewing experience that lingers with you long after the credits roll, forcing you to grapple with its themes of desperation, ambition, and exploitation - something you might not immediately expect from a film about a guy with an arm growing out of his back.

In conclusion, The Dark Backward may not be for everyone, but for those who love films that exist on the fringes of normalcy, it’s a classic that delivers in every way. With a standout cast, surreal plot, and an unwavering commitment to its bizarre tone, it’s a film that continues to captivate those who seek out the strange and unusual in cinema.