Head (1968)

In the daringly innovative film "Head" (1968), the infamous Monkees - Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, Peter Tork, and Mike Nesmith - launch a valiant crusade to dismantle the illusions surrounding their fame. Aided by the sharp pen of Jack Nicholson, the band leap headfirst into a labyrinth of social commentary, puncturing the inflated balloons of filmmaking, the media's portrayal of the Vietnam War, the commercialization of music, and even their own manufactured images. The narrative weaves in and out of reality, constructing a vivid dreamlike world where genres collide and intertwine. From the raw grit of the wild west to the alien landscapes of science fiction, each sequence is a piece in an elaborate puzzle. The Monkees, seemingly sprung from the ether, disrupt a bridge opening ceremony, launching them into a series of genre-bending vignettes that serve as the heart of the film. Throughout their journey, the band grapples with the oppressive forces symbolized by a looming black box and "The Big Victor Mature", personifications of the restrictions they face in their ever-surveilled lives. As they navigate this surreal world, their struggle is not just against external pressures, but an internal quest for authenticity and liberation. Tragically, the film's complexity was its downfall at the box office, with both young fans and older teenagers failing to grasp its intricate message. Despite its initial poor reception, "Head" is a treasure trove for film enthusiasts and music aficionados alike, featuring an electrifying soundtrack enriched by the talents of Neil Young, Stephen Stills, and Carole King. This film is a testament to the Monkees' courage to shatter their own mirrors, revealing a raw honesty that transcends the screen and challenges the audience to question the reality presented to them. An audacious blend of satire, social critique, and surrealism, "Head" remains a bold statement in the annals of cinematic history. The Monkees may have been out on a limb, but they crafted an unforgettable piece of art in the process.

Head is a comedy movie featuring Teri Garr and directed by Bob Rafelson.

Head is currently streaming on fuboTV.