Marcell Minaya loves Mumblecore

By Venus Zine Staff
Published: July 6th, 2009 | 12:00am

Mumblecore is a post ‘90s independent film movement comprised of interesting subject matters, amateur actors, witty writing and low-budget, indie spirit. Genre trailblazers Andrew Bujalski (Funny Ha Ha), Joe Swanberg (Alexander the Last), Aaron Katz (Quiet City), the Duplass Brothers (Baghead) and Greta Gerwig (Nights and Weekends) – are all making a name for themselves by starring in each other’s films, and writing and directing their own. With microscopic budgets and unfamiliar names contributing to the soul of these lo-fi dramedies, the heart of mumblecore truly lies within its spirited characters, who are constantly striving for connection through trademark docu-style filming. And, according to critics, the emerging genre sparks flares of avant-gardist John Cassavetes.

For an introduction to slackavetes cinema, view Andrew Bujalski’s Funny Ha Ha (2002) and the Duplass Brothers’ The Puffy Chair (2005) – two mumblecore classics that rival the gravitas of most Hollywood films today.

http://www.duplassbrothers.com/Press.html

Marcell Minaya is a Venus Zine writer.