Brothers of the Head
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11

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  1. ChadS.
    Apr 28, 2007
    6
    For the savvy rock-and-roll fan in the know, the point of "Brothers of the Head" was to create an alternate music history in which the provincial punk-rockers Bang Bang preceded both, The Sex Pistols, and quite possibly, The Ramones. But since their music is so horrible, the uninititated might mistake "Brothers of the Head" as a deadpan comic take on "This is Spinal Tap", because more likely than not, they'd also be unfamiliar with the tradition of naive art(Wesley Willis, Daniel Johnston, etc.). Although the Rob Reiner mock-doc is by far the superior film, this ambitious curio from the UK truly feels unscripted as a real documentary should. It's actors never seem aware that the cameras are rolling. Of course, the trade-off isn't exactly a crowd-pleaser; you're sacrificing entertainment for authenticity. At times, "Brothers of the Head" is difficult to watch, due in part to the indistingushable personalities of Tom(Harry Treadway) and Barry(Luke Treadway). Neither twin are particularly interesting, and worse, their mumbling dialogue(which is prosaic without a lick of wit or humor) overlaps each others' words. It takes a woman reporter, Laura Ashworth(Diana Kent), to make either musician remotely interesting, when the ice queen chooses Barry. As a result of this newly created love triangle, the thunderstruck musician changes the title of his to ode to her existence from "My Friend" to "My Friend, You C***". At first you're shocked(and so is she), but you quickly come to realize his sudden resistance to love(as does Laura), since a normal life means having to ignore the incidental menage a trois each time they make love. "Brothers of the Head" muck things up a bit towards the end by overstacking its deck as to who was the catalyst for the demise of Bang Bang.… Expand
  2. MichaelS.
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    Incredibly brilliant and original film. Not to be missed.
  3. DavidS.
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    The music sounds like the real mid-70s hard-rock-turning-punk thing! And if your typical mock-rock-doc tries to make you imagine what it's like to be a rockstar, this one forces you to imagine the bizarre yet tender confusion of actually being attached to someone.
  4. MaxineW.
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    I haven't seen a movie that sucked me in as much as this one did in a very long time. I immediately bought the soundtrack and can't get enough. Too bad they didn't make more music. They are awesome!
  5. DavidB.
    Aug 18, 2006
    4
    Misses the tragic intensity of the Brian Aldiss novella by concentrating on the boys' rise to fame rather than their complex relationship. Also, the decision not to include the third brother (a sleeping, wizened head) growing out of Barry's shoulder reduces the story to an easy freakshow. Indeed the filmakers include a fake interviews with Aldiss and Kubrick who quote reasons why using the thrid head is too difficult and unnecessary, but not including it, they have missed what is most compelling about the original material.… Expand
  6. LenW.
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    Not all faux documentaries have to be yuck-fests. This is a haunting story anchored by loving tenderness and bitter rage. Not a false note from start to finish.
  7. AngelaM.
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    Oh my gosh what a movie! And the music is so fantastic. I bought the movie and the CD for my car!
  8. PooksS.
    Feb 27, 2008
    10
    The soundtrack alone is enough to make this a fantastic film, and the riveting performances from the Treadaways make sure of that.
  9. DavidK
    Dec 25, 2006
    2
    Visually compelling at times, with dreadful music, and a train wreck storyline, only the "carrot" of their early demise kept me watching (the end was as disappointing as the the rest of the film) There is certain nothing redeeming about the characters. Ultimately it sticks for awhile until you answer the question, "Is this real or mockumentary" once you have answered that questions it can be forgotten.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: KJ Doughton
    80
    Like a good rock record, Brothers of the Head isn't easily explained. But its original fusion of real and surreal will cling to your cranium for years.
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  2. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    100
    It's terrific! Shot by the brilliant cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle ("Dogville," "28 Days Later," etc.) and anchored by amazing performances from identical (but not conjoined) twins Harry and Luke Treadaway, Brothers of the Head is not a freak show, or a knockoff "Rocky Horror" camp celebration. It's a work of powerful atmosphere and significant mystery. Plus, it rocks.
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  3. Newsweek
    Reviewed by: David Ansen
    70
    Bizarre, edgy and haunting tale.
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