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Header (2006)
Back in the 1970s exploitation films were in full swing. The majority of these films were independent releases going against the films that the big studios put out there as well. Considering most of the exploitation films from this era were shot independently (or in other words with a lot less money and skill that the studios were doing it for) and they needed an angle to get audiences to want to see their movies. Ultimately this came down to content, which the independents were willing to go much further than the financially powerful studios. The same can be said in this day and age although the landscape has changed quite a bit. For instance back then, these films were made to show in drive in’s and grindhouse theaters all over the country. Since the drive in has basically been put out of business and small grindhouse theaters hardly exist anymore, the market is now on home video. Thanks to DVD independent filmmakers have a new place to find an audience and make a buck at the same time. One of these films is the one we’re going to talk about a bit right here in this review and the movie is called “Header”.
So what exactly is a Header? It’s the question that is asked on the back of the DVD as well as through a portion of the movie. Also because of what it entails, I won’t be explaining it here as it’s a major reason to see the movie itself. But here is what I can basically tell you about the film. In the beginning we witness Travis Tuckton getting released from prison. He goes to find his grandpappy who he plans on staying with. Fair enough right? Then once Travis finds his grandpappy the film spirals into total nihilistic chaos. It all involves the “Header” and once you find out what that means, you’ll be either laughing your ass off, or you’ll be offended beyond all belief. The entire time this is happening we’re also treated to watching Stewart Cummings a government agent who is on both sides of the law. He’s doing it to help his sick wife, but there is much more that meets the eye to that story. One thing leads to another and before we know it Cummings is hot on the trail of Travis and his grandpappy. One thing is for sure here though is that it’s not going to end up good....for anyone.
Going into “Header” I was expecting an extremely brainless and violent independent flick, but that’s not the case here at all. What is delivered is something else totally different, which I was very surprised about. This movie contains subject matter that’s not only disturbing, but it’s completely off the charts crazy and that made the movie rather endearing to me. I mean, this movie had the balls to go in a place where not many films do and it didn’t feel sick for the sake of being sick either. Now it’s going to seem like a total sick ass movie through the first 15-20 minutes or so, but stick with it I promise that it’ll surprise the hell out of you.
The acting in the film isn’t anything to really brag about, but basically everyone can pretty much pull of their part. Actor Dick Mullaney is 80 years old and really had to act through some truly grueling stuff and did so with flying colors. I’ll be damned if he didn’t seem like the craziest old bastard I’d ever seen on screen (maybe with a few exceptions) or at least close to it. Travis is played in the film by Elliot V. Kotek and although I thought he was terribly miscast at first glace, he actually does a decent enough job in the film.
The thing that makes “Header” such a cool flick isn’t just the fact that it’s a pretty sick and perverted little movie either. The story of the film is pretty impressive as it makes you think that it’s the lowest common denominator as far as this type of film goes, but then actually is a lot more cleaver than you’ll give it credit for while watching it. It’s engaging all the way through and doesn’t lose a step for a minute. After you find out exactly what a “header” is then you’ll be dragged right into the films devices weather you like it or not.
Bottom line is that Synapse did a fine job with this release and it’s going to surprise a hell of a lot of people I think. It’s extreme cinema at it’s finest and honestly it’s something I wasn’t expecting a whole lot from on the surface. But what I got was 89 minutes of my jaw hitting the ground because this one is one of the most uncompromising and unflinching movies I’ve ever seen. I would recommend this one pretty highly but only to those who enjoy extreme cinema, or at least extremely fucked up movies.
Rating - ***
-Ed Demko
