Ex Drummer (2006)

Directed by: Koen Mortier | 104 minutes | drama, comedy, crime | Actors: Norman Baert, François Beukelaers, Dolores Bouckaert, Barbara Callewaert, Bernadette Damman, Sebastien Dewaele, Jan Hammenecker, Gunter Lamoot, Sam Louwyck, Dries Van Hegen, Tristan Versteven, Wim Willaert

‘Ex Drummer’ is the name of the novella by one of the most feared writers in Flanders: Herman Brusselmans. His story about the rock band ‘The Feminists’ is also not intended for people with a weak constitution, because Brusselmans does not avoid explicit language and sex. In this respect ‘Ex Drummer’ by Koen Mortier certainly does justice to Brusselmans’ book. There is no lack of foul language and sex scenes are not shunned by Mortier either.

The story about the three losers with their own band takes the viewer into the lower layers of the Belgian population. Shabby houses and unkempt people – who seem to use more drugs than they eat – play the main role. All three band members have disabilities: the vocalist hisses, the bassist has a stiff arm and the guitarist is virtually deaf. The three are looking for a drummer for their band and they visit Dries (Dries van Hegen), the narrator of the story. The well-known writer seems fascinated by the three losers and therefore decides to play drums in their band. We follow the band during the preparations for a band competition. During these preparations, the reality in which ‘The Feminists’ (as they call themselves) becomes increasingly grim. Are some situations in the beginning of the film still a reason to laugh, gradually you lose your laughter. Gruesome scenes such as the rape of one of the roadies from ‘The Feminists’ and the look at the guitarist’s tragic family are examples of this.

The strongest point of ‘Ex Drummer’ is the music. Well-known Flemish bands such as Millionaire participated in the soundtrack of the film, but also foreign well-known bands such as Mogwai contributed. Millionaire was responsible for the songs of ‘The Feminists’, which resulted in some very good rock songs. ‘Ex Drummer’ is an almost un-Flemish film, somewhat reminiscent of a sinister version of ‘Trainspotting’. Those with a strong stomach will certainly appreciate ‘Ex Drummer’ and this makes ‘Ex Drummer’ a book adaptation that Brusselmans should not be dissatisfied with. Fortunately, the bizarre ending gives you as a viewer a bit of air in the oppressive atmosphere, in which you spent more than an hour and a half.