Baghead 2008

Following the unexpected acclaim of their micro-budget film THE PUFFY CHAIR (2005), brothers Jay and Mark Duplass decided to turn their handheld DV camera towards a humorous critique of the often pretentious nature of the independent film scene, while cleverly integrating some horror elements for an added thrill. The outcome is an engaging and distinctive cinematic experience, brimming with humor, valuable insights, and an exhilarating ride for those willing to venture into it.

The story unfolds when Matt, portrayed by Ross Partridge, grows envious after witnessing the praise his colleague receives for an absurd film titled WE ARE NAKED at a Los Angeles film festival. Determined to surpass his peer, he gathers his occasional girlfriend Catherine (played by Elise Muller) and his friends, including the enthusiastic Michelle, brought to life by Greta Gerwig, and Chad, represented by Steve Zissis. Together, they embark on a weekend escape to a cabin in the woods, driven by the ambition to create a film that will catapult them into fame within the festival circuit.

While Chad is preoccupied with trying to win over the disinterested Michelle, Matt concocts a thrilling narrative featuring a menacing stranger with a paper bag over his head, terrorizing a group of unsuspecting people in the woods. However, after a night of boozy brainstorming, reality begins to blend with their filmic visions, and the friends soon find themselves embroiled in a genuinely terrifying scenario that puts their relationships to the ultimate test.

The concept for BAGHEAD originated during a discussion on the set of THE PUFFY CHAIR, where someone proposed the unsettling image of “a guy with a bag on his head staring into your window.” While this may appear to be a flimsy foundation for a film, the Duplass brothers artfully surround this idea with a believable ensemble cast, delivering authentic insights into relationships and injecting honest moments of fear. The final result is a clever, humorous, and refreshingly ambiguous film that’s tough to classify, making it a unique entry in independent cinema.