Baghead

Release Year: 2008
Review: A film written and directed by the Duplass brothers, a duo which embrace "mumblecore", an ultra low-budget genre of films. The movie begins with the main characters, four friends, watching a screening of a film utilizing this very style. This is a genius way to introduce exactly what to expect from the film itself and how it is made. The plot focuses on the four friends who are struggling actors, who after watching the low budget film decide to lock themselves away in a cabin and write their own screenplay which they will then film cast themselves as the actors. The trip takes a terrifying twist when the horror script they are writing begins to come to life. This film starts off very strong, but the plot becomes a bit repetitive and predictable in the second half. The horror twist seemed to cheapen the movie. I liked the direction it was going better when it was just about the four friends trying to make a movie. The low budget aspect also took its toll. I can only take so many close-up shots, going in and out of focus, before it becomes annoying. The acting was a little hit or miss. I don't feel that the actors are very strong, and this showed in a few scenes. However, due to the way the Duplass brothers film, most scenes felt very natural. Improvisation is used extensively and there was a very 'real' quality to the dialog and the chemistry between the actors was strong. I like the aim of the film, but feel the story was too weak and the camera work to shaky to really enjoy.
Rating: 3/5