We first weren’t sure if we should conclude the festival Friday with Spine Tingler or Baghead, and I’m so glad we decided to watch Baghead! This film was by far one of the most entertaining films I have seen in a very long time. There really is no need to take it apart and write an extensive review. The characters were fun, the cast was great, the plot was clever–I just loved everything about it and want to see it again! Next to Yeast it’s my second favorite feature-length film we have seen this year. [imdb]
Impressed by the small successes of a local, low-budget filmmaker, four struggling actors decide to head for a cabin in the woods and write their masterpiece — with juicy roles for themselves, of course. Standing in their way? Shortages of just a few things: talent, motivation, energy, and inspiration. Oh, and a surplus of two — hormones and alcohol — as multiple romantic entanglements and a fridge full of beer take the friends further and further away from a completed screenplay.
Jay and Mark Duplass’ prior feature The Puffy Chair established them as filmmakers interested in genre-defying, big-hearted storytelling that manages to put believable, earnest romance on the screen in ways American films so rarely do. Baghead continues that trend, taking us on an unpredictable ride that touches down in drama, romance, dark comedy, and thriller without committing to any one — and yet still feels confident and centered throughout.
Anchored by strong performances — including Greta Gerwig (who also appears in three other films in MFF ’08) as Michelle — it’s a strong film from a team clearly committed to telling the stories they want to tell in the way they want to tell them. For all its genre-hopping, Baghead (which premiered at Sundance and thrilled hometown crowds at SXSW 2008) operates as both a fun popcorn movie and a winning ode to celluloid dreams. (Eric Allen Hatch)
About Greta Gerwig:
Greta Gerwig is an actress, playwright, screenwriter, and director based in New York City. She starred in MFF 2007′s Hannah Takes the Stairs. With Joe Swanberg, she co-stars in and co-directed Nights and Weekends; she co-stars in Yeast; and she stars in the short film Quick Feet, Soft Hands — all of which are also playing MFF 2008. She is currently at work on a script with Alison Bagnall (co-screenwriter on Buffalo ’66). (from the filmfest-guide)
The following is another video-clip by the Creative Alliance with a few shots from the festival Friday. Check out our bikes at 0:11-0:15!
