Leah's Movie Lowdown
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Head

Rated: Not Rated

        There is a stigma about films and shows made in “alternative” mediums. Puppetry, stop motion, regular animation and computer animation are all film mediums that have this stigma attached to them.  When one sees a film or show that is made in one of these alternative methods the general assumption is that it must be for children.  The Muppet Show, The Dinosaurs, The Simpsons, Futurama, Anomalisa, Sausage Party and even Spongebob Squarepants are perfect examples. All of these are made in ways that people generally assume are for children, but these shows and films are targeted for adults (I won’t get into how Spongebob is right now, but trust me; the signs are there!); and if adults were to let children watch some of these I would certainly question their parenting skills.
 
        The recent film Head by Jon Bristol and his team at Elmwood Productions is another great example of a film made in alternative media that is certainly NOT for children. Jon and the Elmwood crew specialize in puppetry.  When I asked Jon why he thinks working in these so called “children’s mediums” has become such a trend lately he said, “I think it’s kind of been a thing for a long time.  Even the old The Muppet Show and Muppet Movies were aimed at adults.  They were just good for kids to watch too.  I think it’s [been] picking up in the past 15 years because people like Seth Rogan, the Team America guys, and  myself, all grew up on cartoons, and puppets, and so on, [so] we see the potential to tell stories with these mediums, and not just comedy, or kid’s stuff. From time to time someone makes a comment about how puppets are “for kids” or something to that effect.  And I remind them that that mentality holds art back.  Is animation just for kids?  Are comic books just for kids?  Puppetry isn’t a genre; it’s a medium to tell a story.  In most countries puppetry is used to tell all sorts of stories in film, television, theater, etc.  Sadly in the US we’re stuck in this “for kids” mentality. ”
The gang around the campfire in Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)

The gang around the campfire in Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)

 
        Head is a throwback to the cheesy, (and ultimately predictable and funny), horror flicks of the 70’s and 80’s. The film is actually several rolled into one, as there is the main story (which I’ll get to momentarily), a short lead up film, and some clips with a character named Graveyard Gil, who is supposed to be reminiscent of Elvira or The Crypt Keeper. The main story is about a group of twenty-somethings who attempt to go on a relaxing camping trip. Of course, the trip ends up anything but relaxing, as sheer nightmarish horror ensues.
 
        I caught the film at the first ever Live Free or Die Film Festival, and although the crowds weren’t enormous, there was definitely electricity and anticipation in the air for the screening. Jon and the Elmwood crew gathered in the theater lobby beforehand, and it wasn’t long before a crowd grew around them. There was major interest in them, their puppets and the film. Everyone seemed to be having a great time chatting with the guys and taking pictures of them in front of the festival’s banner.
 
        Before the opening credits were done rolling, when the film’s title appeared on screen, a loud cheer came from the audience. That, more than anything else, clued me in to how excited people were to see this unique horror interpretation. Yes, people had been talking about the film all festival long, but the proof is in the pudding, as they say.
 
        The film itself was a hilarious and well executed take on what has become a crowded genre. And if you think that because they used puppets instead of humans to tell this tale that there’s no gore, you’d be mistaken! According to Jon there were at least a dozen puppet deaths in the film, and quite a few of them were beheadings. The people of Elmwood Productions did a truly fabulous job making these scenes horrific, ensuring that there was no shortage of “flesh”, blood and carnage to behold.
Vicki and Manda Vasas in Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)

Vicki and Manda Vasas in Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)

 
        Head is one of those satisfying, refreshing and gratifying films that, although a tribute to times past, is unique enough to stand on its own. Jon Bristol and his team have worked hard to get off the ground over the years, but their hard work is paying off. The film has shown at over nine festivals around the country so far, and has shown no signs of slowing down, with a screening planned for October during the International Horror Film Fest in New York. As Jon summed it up for me, “I feel like people really get the flick; a horror film, played completely straight, but with puppets.  Once people are in for the ride they seem to have fun.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!

               Head is not rated, was directed and written by Jon Bristol and stars Manda Vasas, Nick Foreman, Mike Finland, Sally Arletta-Garcia, Ben Farley and Jon Bristol. More information about screenings, purchasing the film and Elmwood Productions' other work can be found here:

  • Purchase Head here
    The Elmwood Productions gang at the premier of Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)

    The Elmwood Productions gang at the premier of Head (Photo courtesy of Jon Bristol)