PopSyndicate.com

Writers are always advised, “Write what you know.” Directors (and writers, producers and brothers) Mark and Jay Duplass know film festivals. They also know how to make you laugh.

Living in a household that includes three guys who play, live and breathe (well, two play) football, I was surprised to learn in the press notes a new factoid about the fans of the New Orleans Saints. It seems that around 1980 they were a sorry excuse for a team. And to date, they’ve have never even played in a Super Bowl game, but their fans believed in them. How could they resolve their shame while still demonstrating their loyalty? They could literally – lose face. Enter cheap, easily attainable brown paper bags. A stadium chock full of “bagheads.”  The Duplass brothers (New Orleans natives) thought this was a funny sight. A very funny sight, but kinda scary too. A perfect scenario, apparently, for a film.

So now the Duplass’ have a premise (a film about filmmakers), a genre (mock horror/comedy), good PR (compliments of their 1st feature film Puffy Chair) and a modest amount of money. What are two, young (and adorable I might add) filmmakers to do? Roll those cameras!

Baghead opens sweetly enough. We’re present at the Q & A of a film festival. A filmmaker is being queried by the usual suspects - an audience member who is hoping to ask the one question that would hold the key to all the mysteries of the universe. “So, what was your budget?” As a filmmaker myself, I howled with laughter. Clearly the brothers have empathy for dreamers.

The merriment continues as the aspiring wannabe’s attempt to crash one of the many parties that are apparently not open to all who want to attend. Their dates bluff their way in easily. But they’re girls – the guys have to try harder. So, like all clever filmmakers, they endeavor to bamboozle their way in – using a wallet as a cellphone. Mighty inventive, I’d say. And funny too.

Shortly thereafter, Baghead takes a turn into serious territory as the filmmakers disembark in a land that mocks the horror film genre while pursuing their dream to write the next great American screenplay (with juicy roles for themselves, natch). Still with me?  We have two screenwriting/actor guys and two aspiring actresses who are taking a stab at writing their next project while attempting to get into the gals pants. Neither concept is going too well. To add to the confusion, their little romantic/working weekend is constantly being interrupted by a mysterious and frightening man with a bag over his head. Accusations and complications ensue.

According to the press notes, The Duplass brothers spent almost two years on the festival circuit and obviously know the terrain well. Coupled with their insistence on getting natural performances from their actors (no rehearsals!), they create a production that has a very real quality about them. Their sensibilities are often compared to the Cassavetes (as in John) method of filmmaking known as Mumblecore, a production that is distinguished by low-budgets, improv and the art of mumbling. And although they acknowledge its influence, the brothers feel that “their characters don’t mumble as much.” Their unofficial motto (in the directing vein) - “Say whatever you want as long as it feels real.”

So grab some sugary beignets, turn on the zydeco music and enjoy this little lagniappe.

3