The Curious Case of Carrot Top and *The Rules of Attraction*: A Dive into DVD Commentary Culture
A peculiar piece of internet archaeology has surfaced this week: a DVD commentary track for Roger Avary’s 2002 film, The Rules of Attraction, featuring none other than prop comic Carrot Top. The discovery highlights a fascinating and often overlooked, corner of film history – the world of DVD bonus features and the strange collaborations they sometimes spawned.
The Origins of an Odd Pairing
The Rules of Attraction, based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1987 novel, follows the intertwined lives of college students navigating love, sex, and apathy. The film stars James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon, and Ian Somerhalder. The involvement of Carrot Top, however, wasn’t organic. Accounts suggest a deliberate attempt at subversive humor. Some claim director Roger Avary intended to prank audiences who had mistakenly perceived the film as a typical teen sex comedy. Bret Easton Ellis himself offered a more pointed explanation: his own commentary track was unusable due to intoxication, and Carrot Top was chosen as a deliberate insult.
Why DVD Commentaries Mattered (and Still Do)
In the early 2000s, the DVD format was king. Beyond the film itself, the bonus features – deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and, crucially, director and actor commentaries – were a major selling point. These commentaries offered fans a deeper connection to the film and the creative process. They provided insights, anecdotes, and often, a glimpse into the personalities of those involved.
The Carrot Top commentary is a prime example of how these features could veer into the unexpected. It’s described as a barrage of observations on the attractiveness of the actresses, homophobic jokes, and bewildered complaints about the characters’ seemingly uncomplicated access to sex. Although objectively “not good,” it’s undeniably compelling in its strangeness.
The Resurgence of Director’s Commentary and the Streaming Era
While physical media sales have declined with the rise of streaming, the tradition of director’s commentary hasn’t entirely disappeared. Many streaming platforms now include commentary tracks as bonus content, recognizing their value to dedicated film fans. However, the nature of these commentaries is evolving.
Previously, commentaries were often lengthy, free-flowing conversations. Now, they are frequently more structured, focusing on specific aspects of the film – cinematography, music, or thematic elements. There’s similarly a growing trend towards group commentaries, featuring multiple cast and crew members, offering diverse perspectives.
The accessibility of platforms like YouTube and podcasts has also created new avenues for film discussion. Directors and actors can now engage directly with fans, offering insights and answering questions in a more interactive format. Bret Easton Ellis, for example, discusses the film on his podcast.
The Future of Bonus Content: Beyond the Commentary
The future of bonus content likely lies in immersive and interactive experiences. Virtual reality (VR) behind-the-scenes tours, interactive storyboards, and augmented reality (AR) features that bring film props to life are all possibilities. The goal is to move beyond passive consumption and create a more engaging and personalized experience for the viewer.
The Carrot Top commentary serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly insignificant bonus features can grow cultural artifacts, sparking conversation and offering a unique window into the world of filmmaking.
FAQ
Q: What is The Rules of Attraction about?
A: It’s a 2002 black comedy drama film about three college students – a drug dealer, a virgin, and a bisexual classmate – and their complicated relationships.
Q: Who directed The Rules of Attraction?
A: Roger Avary.
Q: Why did Carrot Top record a commentary for the film?
A: Accounts vary, but it appears to have been a deliberate choice, either as a prank or as a replacement for an unusable commentary by Bret Easton Ellis.
Q: Where can I find the Carrot Top commentary?
A: It has been uploaded to YouTube and is available online.
Did You Know?
The Rules of Attraction grossed $11.8 million worldwide against a budget of $4 million.
Pro Tip: Explore online film communities and forums to discover hidden gems and unique perspectives on your favorite movies.
What are your thoughts on unusual DVD bonus features? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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