Brothers of the Head

Brothers of the Head is an intimate, surreal, and thought-provoking film directed by Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe. The film is a pseudo-documentary (also known as "mockumentary") scripted by Tony Grisoni, based on the book by Science Fiction author Brian Aldiss. It stars real-life twins Luke Treadaway and Harry Treadaway as the Howe brothers, with Jonathan Pryce as the fellah who discovers and manages them. It was first released in 2005 and immediately garnered much attention due to its unique storytelling and fascinating character exploration.

Set against the backdrop of the rock 'n' roll scene in 1970s Britain, Brothers of the Head delves into the life of conjoined twins Tom and Barry Howe, who are introduced to us living in seclusion on the coast of England. After they are purchased by a sleazy talent scout and manager (Jonathan Pryce) from their father, they are thrust into the limelight and ultimately turned into rock stars. Throughout the film, the audience gets a visceral sense of the brutal and charged relationship between these two young brothers who are physically inseparable.

The film takes a deep dive into the intense and complex relationship between the twins, often blurring the line between love and hatred. Their story unfolds in a mockumentary style blending fictional storytelling elements with the classic rock-documentary format, which was a unique and stylistic choice for the time. This format offers an intimate and raw look into their journey, exploring the whirlwind of emotions faced by the twins as they grapple with their unique circumstances, sudden fame, and the darker aspects of show business. This is augmented by the standout lead performances of the Treadaway brothers who give us a remarkable portrayal of the intense inescapable bond between the twins, as well as the tragic implications of their plight.

The movie heavily taps into the punk rock fever sweeping the world at the time, providing a hypnotic soundtrack that adds an extra layer to the film’s atmosphere. As the fame of the twins rises, their music evolves from a folk sound to a punk rock torn by the conflict within them. Amidst this, their manager, and a newfound romantic interest, exert pressure and further complicates the twins' dynamic relationship. Without giving anything away, the plot unfolds in a way that pulls the viewer into the twins' world, experience their highs and lows, and leaves a lingering impact.

One particularly compelling aspect of Brothers of the Head is its presentation of dichotomy — the tension and balance between the music industry's glamour and exploitation, the bonds of brotherhood and the weight of co-dependence, and artistic expression versus commercial success. This tension shines through the performances of the lead actors, who skillfully walk the line between their roles as victims and as perpetrators in their own right. The Treadaway twins, in particular, deliver a masterful performance that effectively conveys the experience of living life attached to another person.

Aside from its stars, the film boasts a strong supporting cast, including critically acclaimed actor Jonathan Pryce. Pryce brings his own brand of subtle menace to his character, adding another layer of intensity to this already tense film. The overall cinematography, raw and intimate, underscores the narrative's power and depth, enhancing the viewer’s experience.

The storytelling style of Brothers of the Head is nothing short of an artful blend of neurosis, eccentricity, dark humor, and pathos, all charged with the energy of rock 'n' roll. The film shocks, amuses, and saddens, leaving viewers with a heavy sense of curiosity and contemplation. One of the most significant strengths of the film is its ability to provoke thought and spark discussions about identity, individualism, exploitation in the music industry and the authenticity of fame.

In conclusion, Brothers of the Head is a brilliantly realised venture into an alternate world, filled with raucous punk rock, showing a moving, tragic and often uncomfortable side of life. This film provides a hauntingly beautiful representation of brotherhood, the cruelty of the entertainment industry, and the trials and tribulations of being different in a world that craves singularity. A true indie gem that captures the charm and struggles of living life in the public eye as a conjoined twin, where personal boundaries are blurred for the world to see. A thought-provoking watch that's as fascinating as it is engrossing.