Five Favorite Films with Jay Duplass

A couple of weeks back we heard from writer-director Mark Duplass on his five favorite sibling movies, so it seemed only fitting that we give his brother and co-collaborator Jay a chance to add his voice to the family discussion. Following the success of their mainstream-leaning Jeff, Who Lives at Home earlier this year, the brothers Duplass are back in theaters this week with a smaller-scale piece that recalls their mumblecore origins. The Do-Deca-Pentathalon -- which was actually shot before the team went "Hollywood" with Cyrus -- focuses on the rivalry between two brothers (notice a theme?) as they compete in a homemade version of the Olympics. Cannily timed for the 2012 event, in fact, and sure to appeal to all those fans of both overblown sports circuses and micro-budgeted indie films. To mark Pentathalon's release, then, here are Jay Duplass's five favorite films. Take it away, sir.

This is probably the most influential film on Mark's and my work. Deeply passionate, hilarious and inspired filmmaker Mark Borchardt battles to finish his horror flick despite a lack money and common sense. What transpires is heartbreaking, hilarious and at the same time incredibly inspiring.

Rocky (John G. Avildsen, 1976; 91% Tomatometer)

Rocky one -- it feels ridiculous to have to qualify Rocky with a "1," but the subsequent sequels have smokescreened the truth that the original Rocky won the Oscar, is a monumental humanitarian story, and most importantly... Rocky does not win the final fight with Apollo. Some people literally don't believe me when I tell them this. If you've forgotten this, please re-watch it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

I think everyone is now aware of this creative meteor, probably the most inspired piece of art I've ever witnessed. Think about it: The Coens created two main characters you desperately root for who have kidnapped a baby! Only the masters could pull this off, and make you laugh and cry intermittently throughout.

I know, I know... indie cred is now out the window. But what can I say? Mark and I saw this film at Christmas 1994 in a movie theater, and I laughed so hard I sweat out 5 lbs of water weight and got rock hard abs in the process. We took a camping road trip to the mountains and almost froze to death because of it. I've seen it probably 20-plus times and it just makes me so happy every time.

This is a tiny documentary that for me, is so much more than a movie. In short, it's about an autistic boy who's Texan parents take him on horseback to inner Mongolia in search of a Shamanic healing. It's not the easiest film to watch, but in my opinion, a miracle happens on screen.

The Do-Deca-Pentathalon is in select theaters this week and is available through VOD.

Source: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1925470/news/1925470/

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