Western audiences mostly know Rutger Hauer as an action star who was most prominent during the 80s and 90s. However, before making a name for himself in Hollywood, he was regarded as a thespian performer in his native Holland.
In the new documentary feature, Like Tears in Rain, directed by his goddaughter Sanna Fabery de Jonge, a light is shown on Hauer’s personal life, from his upbringing in the Netherlands to what seemed to be a natural path to acting and future international success.
Fabery de Jonge makes use of Hauer’s extraordinary collection of home movies and photographs in presenting this beautiful portrait of an artist and keen outdoorsman. We meet a person who’s very down-to-earth and approachable but carries a silent intensity that becomes almost palpable through many of his on-screen personas. Acting clearly became an avenue for creativity as we see from Hauser’s numerous video diaries, during which he dabbles in poetry and on occasion documenting the loneliness he sometime felt when away making a film, especially one he was morally opposed to.
I first saw Hauer playing a blind swordsman in the action romp, Blind Fury, a character that was a modern allusion to “the man with no name”, archetype. In the science-fiction thriller, Split Second, which is a personal favourite, he plays a dystopian “Dirty Harry” who’s hunting a supernatural killer. I saw these films as a child, but even at a young age it was very apparent there was more to Hauer compared to his contemporaries, like Schwarzenegger, Stallone and Van Damme. He clearly had a greater skill set, which this documentary explores, including his highly acclaimed collaborations with Paul Verhoeven. I think those who are not familiar with Hauer’s early screen work will find this chapter interesting and feel enticed to seek out signature titles like Turkish Delight and Soldier of Orange.
Like Tears in Rain is aptly named. A reference to that immortal and bittersweet line in Blade Runner, which reflects Hauer’s philosophy. He experienced life to the full extent with all its pleasure and sorrow. He touched countless lives and inspired many of his fellow actors, from Whoopi Goldberg to Mickey Rourke, who are among several celebrities in this documentary who give moving testimonies.
NOW STREAMING on the digital platform Viaplay in the United Kingdom (available as an Amazon Prime Video Channels add on)
LIKE TEARS IN RAIN
(2024, director: Sanna Fabery de Jonge)
★★★★½
stills provided by Aim Publicity
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