As a movie lover (and even the criticism springs from a deep well of love), I tend toward the belief that those who can’t find a reason to get excited about cinema may not be looking hard enough. That was exactly my feeling after a screening of the Duplass brothers’ lo-fi, unclassifiable feature Baghead, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. We’re embarking upon one of the multiplex’s blahest seasons – the summer doldrums where studios lump the films that they hold only the most modest of expectations for – and if it’s playing near you, Baghead could serve as a welcome alternative.
A mix of knowing satire (The opening sequence set at an underground film festival is hilariously spot-on.), amusing absurdity, and genuinely disturbing minimalist creepiness, the film is refreshingly unpredictable without getting too wrapped up in its own cleverness. The filmmakers are having fun, certainly, but so are we.
Check out Rumsey’s full review from SXSW, which provides a more in-depth discussion of the film.
by Victoria Large | Source: 35MM PRINT
08 Aug 2008 11:56 AM | Submit Comment
