Conjoined twins Tom and Barry Howe are "discovered" in the 1970s and groomed to form a punk rock band that capitalizes on their natural freakishness. The twins struggle with love, artistic differences,
and sense of self in an unusual and even violent rivalry. They are growing apart in a physical existence that doesn't really allow for that. A bizarre dormant yet demanding third head complicates things even further. The film approaches the story as a "mockumentary". __________________________________________________________________________
Brothers of the Head (2006) - Rated R - 1 hr 30 min
Starring: Luke Treadaway, Harry Treadaway, Bryan Dick, Sean Harris, Jane Horrocks
Directed by: Keith Fulton, Louis Pepe Screenplay by: Tony Grisoni
Genre: Art/Foreign, Mockumentary
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Brothers of the Head (1977) - 200 pages
Author: Brian Wilson Aldiss
Genre: Fiction
Brothers of the Head looks a bit funky. It's a foreign film about conjoined twins who become punk rock stars in the 70s. Punk rock is definitely not my thing and the 70s (except for the fact that my birthdate resides there) is not my favorite decade. The inner strife and family struggles implied by conjoined twins does seem somewhat interesting - then throw in some sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll and who knows? It could be great, but it doesn't sound like the book or the movie will be my "cup of tea". That's just me though.
The reviews for the book are hard to fine since the book was published in 1977. But the few I found were very good. The story is most definitely disturbing but it sounds like it's one of those that's so bizarre and disturbing that you just can't turn away. I also found it fascinating that one review brought out how Brothers of the Head brings to mind a parallel between the music industry and the freak show circuit.
The movie reviews were not so kind. There were not many of these reviews either since this is a foreign film. The film is a "mockumentary" but lacks much of the "mock" and often leans towards darkness and tragedy. Most critics felt that it put satire or comedy and tragedy in an odd contrast that just didn't work very well.
So my takeaway - the book sounds fascinating in a disturbing, "train wreck" kind of way, but I doubt I'll check out the film version -- even after reading the book.
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