Baghead

Genre - Thriller
Year Released - 2008
Running Time - 84 minutes
Directed by Jay & Mark Duplass
Written by Jay & Mark Duplass
Cast Includes: Ross Partridge, Steve Zissis, Greta Gerwig, Elsie Muller, and Jett Garner

Rating: 4 Skulls


Plot Summary:
Two screenwriting couples head to a remote cabin in the woods, hoping that the change of scenery will get the creative juices flowing.
Amid the solitude, the dynamics of their relationships are revealed as they strive to write their masterworks.
Complicating matters though, is the lurking presence of a strange man who wears a bag over his head.

Review:
The film starts off with a couple watching a film ["We Are Naked"] at an independent film festival. [Right away, I thought - 'man, that guy could be a Jim Belushi look-a-like!']
After the film ends, the director [who seemed kind of a jerk] gets up to speak, and afterwards invites "those with their names on the list" to the after party.

At this point, we meet the four main characters of Baghead [Matt, Michelle, Chad, and Catherine] We also find out that Chad actually knows the director of the film that was just shown, however he doesn't want to ask for an invite into the after party, which upsets his friends, who really wanted to get in. So, Michelle decides to sneak in - she brazenly walks past the bouncers, pretending to talk on her cell phone, and amazingly gets inside! Chad & Catherine follow suit, leaving Matt outside. Matt then realizes that he doesn't have his cell on him, so he attempts the same thing, except using his wallet - I just had to mention this, as it was pretty hysterical :-)

The film then moves forward when, over dinner, Chad comes up with the brilliant idea of having the four of them head out to a cabin in the woods to write a feature film - starring them!
[we find out that the group is all in the film business, yet not very well known, which they want to change. Also, Matt & Catherine have an ongoing, back-and-forth relationship going on, and we learn that Chad likes Michelle] You actually feel bad for Chad [who was my favorite character in the film] as Michelle looks at Chad as a best friend/brother type of relationship. :-(

While at the cabin, Michelle has a dream [or was it reality?!?] that a man wearing a bag over his head was watching her. . . So, the group decides to use this as the basis for their screenplay. . .

Later on, after Michelle catches the man wearing a bag over his head, watching her through her window, she freaks out! [obviously I am skipping over major plot points for those who decide to see this film] Unlike most females in horror films, Michelle just wants to leave - immediately! She doesn't care if "baghead" is friend or foe [it is possible that this is all a prank - that one of them is playing with the group] Michelle is smart! She just wants out of there. . .

Why are you looking at me?!? It wasn't me!

I had a feeling regarding the outcome of this film, however it did not detract at all from the enjoyment of watching it! I definitely recommend this film!

Here's the trailer:


Jason