New Movie Releases: Baghead, The Happening and More!

In the past few years, cinema has been brought to the “common man”—anyone with a handi-cam and an idea can make a film. Some people actually do. Others watch their movies and think, “I could do that.” And some of those actually do. And the cycle continues.

Baghead is one of those DIY films that seem to be popping up all over the place. The difference is that this time, you might not think to yourself, “I could do better,” because local auteurs Mark and Jay Duplass, who wrote, directed, and produced this picture, have done it pretty darn well.

The movie tells the story of four struggling actors who, frustrated with the dearth of roles they’ve been offered, decide to write their own starring vehicle, using a cabin in the woods as their distraction-free workspace. But their little getaway is anything but distraction-free; the interpersonal relationships are complicated and awkward, and excessive drinking only seems to make things worse. And, oh yeah, there might be a guy with a bag over his head stalking them outside.

Baghead’s four main characters cover the four classic actor archetypes—the dashing lothario with “Elvis hair,” the aging “professional” actress, the pretty young ingénue, and the wisecracking chubby best friend. Their interaction is sometimes awkward as the relationships take their twists and turns (unrequited advances abound), but it’s always interesting, as every silence seems full of tension and meaning. Though they were working from a tightly structured script, the actors were given freedom to say their lines however felt the most natural, making for a lot of really believable moments.

They work on their screenplay diligently; for a while, it’s virtually a how-to for aspiring filmmakers (coming up with an idea, fleshing it out, creating scenes on notecards, etc.). Before long, however, the tension changes, as does the movie’s tone. Writing their movie takes a back seat as the actual “scary phase” kicks in. There are some horror movie staples to let the audience know it’s time to get nervous; ominous wind chimes and mysterious moaning animals made even creepier by the absence of “be scared now” music. Even a motion-activated floodlight comes into play as we wonder what the foursome will find in the woods.

There’s no question that this movie knows what it is; it’s rife with self-reflexive acknowledgments to the genre. And it’s hard not to think of its influences—Kevin Williamson, Cloverfield, and of course The Blair Witch Project to name just a few. But the Duplass Brothers know that, and press on, mashing all these elements into something that’s as much fun as any of its forbears. Maybe Baghead isn’t as scary as Halloween, but that’s certainly a fair sacrifice to see real characters. --Matthew Frederick
[Trailer] [Tickets and Showtimes]

The Happening
If you’re still feeling some love for M. Night after a few rough goes, there’s an important event this weekend, and you’re invited! No, it’s not a grouping of hippies; instead, it’s a grouping of people coming together as they fend off some unknown, panic-inducing menace. This guy has a thing for menaces.

Shyamalan’s stuff may be boring most of the critics, but you know by now if you h8 it, or if it’s popcorn fodder at its finest. It’s out today, conveniently, Friday the 13th (OMFG!), so try and stay calm, lest you too be suckered into jumping off rooftops. --Luke Quinton
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

The Incredible Hulk
Just as comic books have become popular to put onscreen, the next step turns out to be remaking the initial adaptation, no matter how recent, and replacing it with another one entirely. New writers, directors, and actors. Come to think of it, this is exactly what happens in real comic books. It’s also what happens when your friends get together and bitch about how they messed up Spiderman 3. This weekend, The Incredible Hulk takes its spot as the second of three summer blockbuster superhero films, and one of two start-from-scratch do-overs. Features scrappy Ed Norton —who wrote sections of the screenplay— taking over the Bruce Banner, uh. . . banner. Fight Club for kids? Just playin’; the Hulk doesn’t have the patience required to manufacture soap. --Luke Quinton
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

ALSO OPENING IN AUSTIN THIS WEEK:
The Promotion
John C. Reilly and Seann William Scott star as two supermarket employees who compete for a managerial position at a newly-opened store. Could be funny. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

War Inc.
John Cusack and Hilary Duff (of Stuff by Duff fame) star in this political satire about a hitman hired to kill a warlord's biggest competitor. Also, it's set in not-too-distant the future. Or something. --Matt Smith
[Trailer] [Showtimes]

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By mateoraneo in Arts & Entertainment on June 13, 2008 5:15 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

seth

Put me down as your plus 1 for the Hellboy 2 press sneak preview and I'll be there with bells on.

Seth

oh steph

Seth - you're my favorite. Let's go get a beer. I'll buy. - Steph

davetx

I thought Mr. Night went downhill fast after his film about the kid who sees dead people.

lukequinton

Hey, meb,

Yeah, the consensus for the film has definitely followed yours. The peoples is hatin' on it pretty good (check out rotten tomatoes). This time, though, it's not just the critics, it seems like regular viewers are starting to get kinda done with the Night. Critics destroyed The Village, because they felt it manipulated, and really didn't like Lady in the Water, but I think audiences were happy enough. This time, it sounds like things are different.

meb

Enough about Baghead. I can't believe no one's commenting on the mess that is "The Happening." I WANTED to like this movie, but I'm here to tell you it might be the worst movie I've ever had the displeasure of viewing in a theater. The plot line is thin, it was completely mis-cast and it's really graphic in a bad way - like to make up for the fact that it sucks. Be warned - stay away!

seth

Steph,

If you are so confident that passes work well for SXSW, I challenge you to attend SXSW 2009 with a pass only. Refuse all badges offered to you for free by Louis Black. Then tell me about all the awesome movies you saw.

Seth

oh steph

Yeah, but keep in mind that they only had one official screening of Baghead during SXSW and that the film was made by hometown favorites, which is what made the screening so difficult to get into. I mean, I had a badge and didn't make it in, so I think this is an isolated case. There were tons of films that I went to where not only did everyone who wanted to see the film get in, but there were still empty seats.

Plus, the Alamo had a special sneak screening of Baghead on the first Friday of south by, and all you had to do to get in was go pick up a ticket at the Jackalope from a guy wearing a bag on his head.

Still, I think that seeing the film out a Star Hill Ranch was probably more fun than either of those screenings, and it only cost $7 for AFS members (yearly membership cost $30, y'all!!!) and you got a s'more with that ticket price. Mmmm.

seth

I went to the Alamo Roadshow Premiere last night because there were too many stinking badges for me to see it with a Film Pass at SXSW.

Amen. If you don't drop $300 on a film badge, you can't see anything you want at SXSW Film. If you do drop $300 on the badge, then you're paying like $15 or more dollars per movie you watch. And half are gonna be klunkers. So you're screwed however you approach SXSW Film as a fan.

Seth

ConanTheLibrarian

I went to the Alamo Roadshow Premiere last night because there were too many stinking badges for me to see it with a Film Pass at SXSW. I splurged for the VIP seats after reading the dinner menu. With the quality of the food, and the endless glasses of wine with each course, and the seats with cushions at the prime viewing area, it was a good deal.

I thought BAGHEAD was pretty good. While not levitating like when I first saw HALLOWEEN, they did surprise me a lot of times. And I didn't figure out the big Plot Twist until 60 minutes into the film. It was the first time I had seen Greta Gerwig on the big screen, and her Michelle captured my heart.

I like Mark and Jay as film makers. On shoestring budgets, they come up with sharp-looking relationship flics. The key to DuplassDuplass, Kellner Brothers, and Joe Swansberg films are the use of people they know who can be let loose in improvised different endings allowing the minimal crew to film on the fly. They even ask the extras for suggestions and give them lines if they are good 'uns.

They want me to say BAGHEAD is a work of utter genius, but GLORY AT SEA it ain't. It is a work by Utter Geniuses.

And thank you Matthew for not bringing Mumblecore into the review.