Baghead Review0

Baghead
Directed by Jay and Mark Duplass
Written by Jay and Mark Duplass
Starring Greta Gerwig, Elise Muller, Steve Zissis, and Rose Partridge.

“What is Baghead? And who’s Greta Gerwig?” is probably what you’re thinking to yourself. Well to start off, Greta Gerwig, is becoming a rising star. Not as fast as we’d all like to see but fast enough that she’s landing roles. Star of Greenburg and the the upcoming Arthur(with Russell Brand) she has been dubbed as the “Queen of Mumblecore,” a new genre that has been created within the past decade. But before I continue on with the review of Baghead, you’re probably questioning in your head: What is Mumblecore? (Don’t worry, I did too the first time)

Mumblecore, or at least my take on it, is filmmaking with a depressingly low budget, a set of your friends (actors or not), and an improvised script (or at least 50-70% improvised). You’d think that that would be an accident gradually turning into a natural disaster, your probably right. But there are a couple of talented filmmakers that are pushing this genre forward: Andrew Bujalski, Lynn Shelton, and the Duplass Brothers.

Why am I reviewing this film? Let alone, why is this review 3 years late? (Baghead was premiered in 2008) My response? To make your aware that Mumblecore exists and, whether we like it or not, are going to make room for it. Think of Mumblecore as a cousin within the family of film genres. You will either think he’s cool for presenting himself as honest and realistic (Sleepover!) OR you will resent it for being so looking so cheap and annoying (Mom, I’m not going to share the same room as him, he looks like amateur).

You think that reviewing a Mumblecore film would be hard? It is. You can’t honestly expect me to say “Yeah, the visuals were garbage. Next time spend the extra money on it.” But what sticks out for Baghead is that The Duplass Brothers play with the cheap visual with the overall theme and storyline. Baghead is about 4 actors that decide to write a cheap horror film about a man with a bag over his head. Then things get weird when strange things are occurring around them (missing car battery, mysterious silhouette visits). It was a very interesting take on the low-budget horror films (let alone spoofing it to a dark comedy). The theme and idea for the film is great but the writing was a bit weak at times. But the “weak” writing, for all I know, is probably done on purpose to add on to the comedic tone. Great performances from Greta Gerwig (for playing her role as Michelle so naturally and true) and Elise Muller (playing Michelle: a very loquacious and jealous (ex-)girlfriend of Matt, played by Ross Partridge).

Mumblecore is here to stay. And Baghead is a shining example.

Reviewed by Luke S.

How Many Times Would I Watch This Again?: Probably 3-4 more times.