Baghead (2008)

Four struggling actors retreat to a cabin in Big Bear, California in order to write a screenplay that will make them all stars. Problem is: What happens when their story idea -- a horror flick about a group of friends tormented by a villain with a bag over his head -- starts to come true?

Directors:

Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass

Writers:

Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass,

Stars:

Steve Zissis, Ross Partridge, Greta Gerwig

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Steve Zissis	...	Chad
Ross Partridge	...	Matt
Greta Gerwig	...	Michelle
Elise Muller	...	Catherine
Jett Garner	...	Jett Garner
Cass Naumann	...	'We Are Naked' girlfriend
Jennifer Lafleur	...	Festival Director
Darrell Bryant	...	Pickup truck driver
Anthony Cristo	...	Bouncer
Jen Tracy	...	Name Checker (as Jen Tracy Duplass)
Heather Hall	...	Festivalgoer
David Zellner	...	Festivalgoer

Storyline

Four struggling actors retreat to a cabin in Big Bear, California in order to write a screenplay that will make them all stars. Problem is: What happens when their story idea -- a horror flick about a group of friends tormented by a villain with a bag over his head -- starts to come true?

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Plot Keywords:

california | cabin | actor | vomit | film festival | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Horror | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Classics [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cabeza de bolsa

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$8,640 (USA) (13 June 2008)

Gross:

$140,016 (USA) (14 November 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Duplass Brothers Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Chad: You're like Michael Jordan, I'm Bill Lambier! I've got no game!

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Connections

References What Dreams May Come (1998)

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Soundtracks

"3 of Harts"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by J. Scott Howard
Cold Cold Wind (ASCAP)

User Reviews

Mumblecore to the Core

Baghead starts as if it has a bag over its head with a leaden set up about four not-so-young struggling actors planning a scriptwriting session in the woods. Not hard to tell what might happen in a comedy/thriller/horror indie. But amidst this sophomoric, satirical first reel is a gem of an interview with a director after a film festival screening. You'll know the drill when you see it: inane questions, uninspired answers, but everyone breathless with love of movies.

The invasion of a bagheaded villain creates the necessary horror tension nicely dispersed among the revelers rather than relegated mainly to the ladies. Although the idea of actors writing a horror script and living it out, and directors making fun of the genre is not new, the Duplass brothers create a believable environment that makes the odd occurrences believable themselves even amidst the obvious hokey horror clichés.

It's easy enough to see Blair Witch influences, especially the "found" nature of the footage; its ultra-low budget, seemingly improvised script, jerky cameras, and little-known actors put it square within the "mumblecore" frame of reference (The Duplass brothers are prominent members of the movement). Baghead has more importance as part of that early twenty-first century movement than the film would attest on its own.

Be prepared to laugh a bit, scream a little, and wonder a whole lot at the dedication of talented filmmakers who could put bags over their heads for all the difference it would make to the general audience. They are the real pioneers of new cinema.