The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (2012)
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (2012): If the works of Jay and Mark Duplass boast a visual trademark, that trademark would be the “punch zoom.” In pertinent moments throughout all the Duplass films, starting with their mumblecore debut The Puffy Chair, the camera quickly zooms in on characters—like, well, a punch—shifting the focus from big to small, from macro to micro. Many moviegoers consider this stylistic staple a literal punchline for their offbeat humor, but it seems to function more as a symbol of what they’re devoted to as filmmakers: the eschewing of big, impersonal narratives for small, intimate stories that hone in on the simple and profound realities of human experience.
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon, the latest from the Duplass brothers (though shot before their last two released films), exemplifies such devotion. Starring Mark Kelly and Steve Zissis (also a key player in Baghead and Jeff Who Lives at Homes), the film tells an up-close-and-personal tale about two grown brothers, Jeremy (Kelly) and Mark (Zissis). Upon reuniting for a family birthday, the siblings battle it out in a homemade Olympic event—the Do-Deca-Pentathlon, a competition they created as children. Not surprisingly, this competition yields strong comedy throughout the film as the two lose sleep over their struggle while trying to hide it from the rest of the family. But their contest goes far beyond comical competitiveness, tapping into a mutual resentment within the two men and serving as a catalyst for them to unlock their inner child and cope with the disappointment and discontentment of their adult lives.
Comedy - 6 July 2012 (USA)
Director: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
Writer: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
The Duplass brothers achieve such sentiment—and the overarching
humanness from which it stems—through a whole slew of elements,
specifically the sharp writing and realistic aesthetic present in all
their works. It’s most achieved, though, by the characters. Somewhat
similar to the great Wes Anderson, the Duplasses possess a rare
sensibility for character, creating human beings we connect with and
love—no matter how flawed or odd they may be. Their cast brings these
individuals to life with an array of subtly honest performances. Kelly
and Zissis help the film delve beneath the rather amusing surface of
Jeremy and Mark, and as Mark’s lovingly patient wife, Stephanie,
Jennifer Lafleur does likewise.
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (2012) in cast
Credited cast:
Mark Kelly ... Jeremy
Steve Zissis ... Mark
Jennifer Lafleur ... Stephanie
Julie Vorus ... Alice
Brendan Robinson ... Young Mark
Brock Patrick Kaufman ... Young Jeremy age 10
Noël Wells ... Stripper
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Blake Blacksmith ... Young Mark age 12
Jon Dainty ... Race Spectator
Martyn Hale ... Young Jeremy age 16
Johanna Igel ... Kate
Elton LeBlanc ... Poker Player
Laurie Lee ... Race Spectator
Codie Scott ... Poker Player
Terry Lee Smith ... Poker Player
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon (2012) Official Trailer HD
The culmination of these elements is enough to enable Do-Deca-Pentathlon
to overcome a slow start and thin story. In a time where movies
continue to feel more and more disconnected and bleak, the film
envelopes the viewer with its warmness—a glowing optimism and sincere
sense of humanity brought home with each punch zoom.
Production Details
In Theaters: July 6, 2012
MPAA Rating: R (for language)
Genres: Comedy
Run Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Distributors: Red Flag Releasing
Also Known As: The Do Deca Pentathlon
Production Status: Awaiting Release
Produced In: United States
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