In perhaps the most self-aware moment in a film full of self aware moments, toward the of the movie there is a scene where the main characters find themselves trapped in a black box. After breaking through, they are placed in a second box and in that moment realize that they will be always be identified as The Monkees, placed forever in the box they helped create.
Welcome to Head, introspection on acid.
Full of random moments, lacking anything resembling a plot or structure, Head instead adopts comedic vignettes to deliver its ideas. The film's subtext and cyclical narrative suggests a darkly humorous worldview, one that questions the actuality of choice and the nature of free will. An appropriate sentiment given The Monkees were a prefabricated band brought together for a television program and lacking anything anything close to autonomy.
Bob Rafelson created the show, choosing the players, constructing their identities, and defining their style. When the show ended and the film was green-lit, Rafelson again took the helm, working in conjunction with Jack Nicholson (as writer) to burn his creation to the ground.
Much of the film spoofs the sixties era, including the Western obsession with eastern philosophy, the burgeoning worship of celebrity, and the power of drug culture.
The Monkees, consisting of members Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork, actually managed to form a band, creating music which at the height of their popularity managed outsell contemporaries The Rolling Stones and The Beatles; no small feat for a group playing make believe. The musical maturity of Head's soundtrack a testament to their skill.
Ironically it was the success of the Monkees that proved most detrimental to the film's success. Their waning popularity and the changing times, allowed them to produce something meaningful and personal rather than simply recreating their television show.
Head is notable for its experimental nature and failure at the box office. Too cool and strange for the Monkees fan base, too mainstream for the hip and cool, the movie failed; and for decades after the film survived as a cult favorite with video cassettes passed along from friend to friend and generation to generation.
Recently Head has experienced a revival. Once panned for its unsubstantive plot and lack of direction, it is now praised for its boldness, experimentation and uniqueness. The critical acclaim once denied to the film, is now heaped upon it.
Bob Rafelson created the show, choosing the players, constructing their identities, and defining their style. When the show ended and the film was green-lit, Rafelson again took the helm, working in conjunction with Jack Nicholson (as writer) to burn his creation to the ground.
Much of the film spoofs the sixties era, including the Western obsession with eastern philosophy, the burgeoning worship of celebrity, and the power of drug culture.
The Monkees, consisting of members Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork, actually managed to form a band, creating music which at the height of their popularity managed outsell contemporaries The Rolling Stones and The Beatles; no small feat for a group playing make believe. The musical maturity of Head's soundtrack a testament to their skill.
Ironically it was the success of the Monkees that proved most detrimental to the film's success. Their waning popularity and the changing times, allowed them to produce something meaningful and personal rather than simply recreating their television show.
Head is notable for its experimental nature and failure at the box office. Too cool and strange for the Monkees fan base, too mainstream for the hip and cool, the movie failed; and for decades after the film survived as a cult favorite with video cassettes passed along from friend to friend and generation to generation.
Recently Head has experienced a revival. Once panned for its unsubstantive plot and lack of direction, it is now praised for its boldness, experimentation and uniqueness. The critical acclaim once denied to the film, is now heaped upon it.
Head is an example of the creative risks often avoided in the modern age of film-making and a perfect example of a movie ahead of its time finally finding the right audience.
-Kami Lebaredian
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