HEAD Original Daybill Movie Poster THE MONKEES Micky Dolenz

Head (1968)

Directed by Bob Rafelson.

With The Monkees (Peter Tork Davy Jones Micky Dolenz Michael Nesmith), Victor Mature, Teri Garr, Carol Doda, Annette Funicello, Frank Zappa, Sonny Liston, Timothy Carey, Ray Nitschke

“Head,” the surreal cinematic journey featuring the iconic band The Monkees, is a psychedelic exploration of fame, identity, and the absurdity of celebrity culture. Directed by Bob Rafelson and co-written by Jack Nicholson, this avant-garde gem defies categorization, offering a kaleidoscopic blend of music, satire, and experimental storytelling.

Released in 1968 at the height of The Monkees’ popularity, “Head” boldly subverts audience expectations, eschewing the conventional narrative structure in favor of a series of disjointed vignettes that oscillate between fantasy and reality. From its opening sequence, where the band leaps off a bridge in a surreal act of rebellion, to its enigmatic closing moments, the film defies easy interpretation, inviting viewers to question the nature of fame and the illusions of show business.

At its heart, “Head” serves as a deconstruction of The Monkees’ manufactured image, challenging the notion of authenticity in popular music. Through a series of self-aware meta-commentaries and fourth-wall-breaking moments, the film exposes the absurdity of the entertainment industry, highlighting the disconnect between public perception and personal identity.

Visually stunning and thematically rich, “Head” is a feast for the senses, with its vibrant colors, innovative editing techniques, and eclectic soundtrack contributing to its hypnotic allure. The film seamlessly integrates musical performances by The Monkees with surrealistic imagery and experimental flourishes, creating a cinematic experience that is both immersive and thought-provoking.

While “Head” initially confounded critics and audiences upon its release, it has since garnered a cult following for its bold artistic vision and unconventional approach to storytelling. Its influence can be felt in subsequent works of cinema, music, and pop culture, inspiring generations of artists to push the boundaries of creativity and challenge audience expectations.

In conclusion, “Head” stands as a testament to the creative spirit of the 1960s counterculture, offering a captivating glimpse into the tumultuous landscape of the era. Equal parts surreal, satirical, and sublime, it remains a singular achievement in the annals of cinematic history, a mind-bending odyssey that continues to captivate and confound audiences to this day.