Why worry about each and every detail when you can have a cult following with a simple and organic filmmaking style? Well, the Duplass Brothers have gone for this look and successfully made their way to the top of the Mumblecore genre. Mumblecore is a sub genre of indie films that have a low-budget, amateur actors, and natural dialog. While these traits are normally looked down upon, I find that these are my favorite films because of the importance in storytelling instead of the quality of equipment.
The Puffy Chair
Being the first feature length film from the Duplass Brothers, the innocence is still in the movie. Throughout the film only one camera was used. This camera is the Panasonic MiniDV AG DVX100A, and it uses a digital format rather than film. In an interview by thefilmlot.com both Mark and Jay Duplass agreed that they used digital because it was substantially cheaper, but they quickly grew to love the digital format because it helps with the long dramatic scenes. There are many similar shots of slight zooms and quick rack focusing, which is the defining style found in all of their films. While the Duplass Brothers pride themselves on their authentic acting, their cinematography is a necessity in order to truly give each film this unique mumblecore look.
Baghead
Breaking from the mumblecore genre momentarily, the Duplass Brothers try out a horror flick with Baghead. While they do change genres, their style is still prevalent in this film. They keep the personable filming style with dramatic close-up pauses to show the importance of each line spoken. Within this film the true acting of each character comes out. The Duplass Brothers told thefilmlot.com they do not rehearse any scenes in order to keep them fresh and spontaneous.
Cyrus
Having a new and popular cast, the Duplass Brothers really got their name out to the public with this film. John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill had an immediate connection with the open-ended directing style. While the storytelling becomes more involved and complete, they seem to stick with their old styles of filming. They still can’t seem to find a tripod, but continue to use the slight zooms to perfection.
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
With another all-star cast of Ed Helms, Jason Segel, Judy Greer, and Susan Sarandon the Duplass Brothers were able to publicize this movie quite well. What makes this film so unique is that they reverted back completely to a mumblecore genre with a dry comedy full of drama and unexpected plot twists. When watching this film, I was glad to see them not only go back to their rudimentary storytelling styles but also that the public will now see the greatness behind this unknown genre of mumblecore.
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon
This is the most recent film directed by the Duplass Brothers. Using a cast from the old-days, they truly created a mumblecore flick to compete with The Puffy Chair. They reverted back to the shaky cam, drawn out dramatic scenes, and rack focus shots. This is the only film by the Duplass Brothers that is accessible through Netflix Instant, and I highly recommend you film buffs out their to give it a watching, along with all the other flicks from these creative directors.
Other works :
Kevin Documentary (Produced) Safety Not Guaranteed (Produced)
Cine Update 