The Puffy Chair

Plot synopsis:
Josh and high maintenance girlfriend Emily are having a nice dinner and decide that Emily should sleep over. Emily is only slightly upset because Josh has to leave tomorrow to go on a road trip, but the dinner is still pretty calm. But the calm does not last when dinner is tainted by an inappropriate phone call to Josh. Emily throws the table about half way through the call and leaves. Josh tells the man on the phone that he will call him back and calls Emily leaving an apologetic voicemail. The next morning Josh, feeling bad about what happened, goes to Emily's house and picks her up for the road trip, despite the original plan to go by himself, visit his brother Rhett, and get his father a purple recliner for his birthday. Instead of just visiting Rhett as planned, Rhett tags along for the rest of the trip against Emily's will. They, next, stop at a motel where Josh tries to act like he is the only one there to get the room cheaper but fails. The next day, they go to pick up the chair but it has been falsely advertised and is in awful condition, entitling them to a payed for reupholstering job. The chair is at the shop while in the mean time, Rhett is falling in love with a woman named Amber and that night they are unofficially married, by Josh. Later, Josh expresses his true feelings about what is going to become of Rhett and Amber's relationship (It'll probably last a week and then Rhett will get bored.) to Emily and she gets very angry at him for not appreciating romance. But the fight turns when she claims she deserves better and Josh gets very angry with her and stomps out. The next morning, Josh goes to pick up the chair and has to get extremely firm, some would say hostile, with the man who does the reupholstering because he is being very unreasonable. Rhett does not appreciate the way that Josh obtained the chair and says it has "bad mojo". Later that night he burns the chair and Josh catches him doing this. He tackles him and Josh ends up breaking his own arm. The next morning, they finally show up at dads house, no chair and Josh in cast. After a talk with his father about marriage, Josh talks to Emily about the future of their relationship and they mutually decide that they should break up.

Tags: romantic

Review:
It deserves to be the new "Garden State."The movie's premise is simple: Josh and his girlfriend Emily go on a road-trip to pick up an old puffy recliner that Josh won on ebay and bring it to his dad for his birthday.
The director and screenwriter used their low budget to great advantage, keeping things totally authentic; eliminating the documentary-style camera and getting rid of the improvisation would have ruined the mood of the movie.Overall, the film moves seamlessly from comedy to melancholy and from jubilant romantic beginnings to bittersweet possible endings.
It's clear he is looking forward to some solo time on the road, but first his girlfriend Emily (Kathryn Aselton) and then his brother Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) tag along.
The main theme of "The Puffy Chair" is the tension between Josh, who is happy just being a guy and having a girlfriend, and Emily who craves at least some emotional validation if not a solid commitment.
"The Puffy Chair" deals with real feelings and relationship issues, but it is above all else a hilarious road-trip comedy.The first full-length feature by the Duplass brothers (Mark and Jay), "The Puffy Chair" is unmistakably low-budget.
It actually refreshing the amount of people who have totally missed the point of this film...perhaps they have found something most of us yearn for...that amazingly simple feeling of total and mutual infatuation.For those of us more vulnerable, the main theme of this story will be an all too familiar one.
End of story.If you don't know it, hes either not crazy about you and doesn't have the balls to admit it, or you want someone who can show it more...move on.Id like to believe true love is simple, and amazing, like the telling of the story of The Puffy Chair..
For a movie we just saw because I liked the name of it, "The Puffy Chair" was a very fortunate random purchase, indeed.The simple yet strangely elegant story of a man trying to get his father the perfect birthday gift and the strange events that he, his girlfriend and his tag-along brother encounter makes for an exceptional viewing experience.Very realistic, and the pseudo-documentary-style camera work adds to the excellent script.
Which is completely irrelevant but I just thought I'd mention that.Anyway, "The Puffy Chair" is an extremely good film, and I highly recommend it..
I look forward to future projects by the talented Duplass Brothers but THE PUFFY CHAIR deserves to be seen by a larger audience.
Mark Duplass, Rhett Wilkins and Kathryn Aselton play off of each other so well that watching the film makes a person feel like a part of some in-joke.
These are amazingly real and intimate performances, and every subtle emotion that is portrayed in both the dialogue and action comes across as if the audience were a part of the film.This movie definitely deserves to be seen by a large number of people.
It reminded me of another independent low budget film we also LOVED called Funny Ha Ha. I look forward to seeing what else comes from these two brother filmmakers.
so I have had good recent experiences with slightly weird American indy films.Unfortunately, I found that Puffy Chair does not compare favourably with any of these movies.I was sitting for 35 minutes waiting for something amusing, witty, insightful or even mildly interesting to happen.
After about three minutes I felt like killing the camera man and just couldn't believe that this film actually showed anywhere and- guess what - was nominated for two independent Spirit Awards.
What I like about this movie is how it elevated itself from a presumably mundane flick to a decent watch that will have you nodding at the craftsmanship of the script and the evolution of the characters.Shot in the renegade fashion of hand-held camera – the TV show, The Office would probably be the most accessible example – this film feels like what you'd probably imagine seeing if the story was relayed to you by one of the characters.
The movie follows Josh, a booking agent for unknown bands, who wants to do something for his father's birthday in the vein of getting him a piece of childhood nostalgia- a puffy red chair.
More characters join in and we get introduced to Rhett, the very 'dudeish' and oddly existential younger brother of Josh as he becomes the inevitable third wheel on the trip.The chair was to be picked up from a furniture store owner and ultimately throws a wrench in Josh's plans as the guy fails to deliver, imposing an unplanned stay in the surrounding town and a bit of tyranny on Josh's behalf.
This kicks off a bit of character development as we see tension tighten with Josh and Emily, as far as their relationship goes, and we see just how free-willed Rhett is as he hooks up with a girl, Amber (Julie Fischer) from the town.
I enjoyed how the relationships panned themselves out as it gave you both the fishbowl perspective from both sides of the glass, be it a personal experience or one you just know about.It's not really an essential film to watch but it does have its unique qualities and offers a quaint take on how people handle pressure and life variables.
I give Josh Duplass credit for the way the movie unraveled and the way it held both predictability and that little nudge to want to see it to the end.Standout Line: "What you're probably doing is waiting for something real good or real bad to happen to make the decision for you and you're not gonna get that break, it never happens".
Well, I suppose I can relate as long as story, script, dialog, acting (save for Ms. Aselton), cinematography and editing are completely irrelevant.I remember telling other film-making friends some years ago that the biggest problem with digital video was that we were now going to have to wade through a future sea of crap to get to anything worth watching now that anyone and his brother (or brothers in the case of the Duplass') could run out and make a movie.
When you have to go out and actually put your script on the line, asking friends and family or business people for real money to make a feature "film", knowing the potentially losses at stake, then you will know what it means to be a "filmmaker." But dropping a few hundred at Sam's Club for some DV tapes, some soda and chips doesn't cut it.
Even Mark Borchardt reserves that intensely-overused moniker for his male friends only where it is at least endearing where his buddy Mike is concerned!I think its high time the indie film community started to call out these shoddy, no-budget videos for what they are, and simultaneously scold prestigious festivals for giving such casual efforts, high praise.
"Valley of the Dolls," "Beyond Valley of the Dolls," "Pink Flamingos," "Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Night of the Living Dead," "Urban Cowboy," "The Blob," -- all of these would be a better use of one's time, than viewing "The Puffy Chair." The characters portrayed are either too predictable or too lacking in normal, emotional reflexes to even come close to being likable or believable.
It's a must that be stated first because, although I almost disliked the movie based upon it's ending and the handling of certain situations involving the main characters and problems presented; one can't NOT like the way humor and love weaves it's way in and out of the real-life docu-drama as it unfolds...seemingly, over and over again.Thankfully 'things' come to a close in a timely manner and you're left to contemplate life's journey and your association with it all.Enjoy..
Charming, amusing low budget first feature film effort by the Duplass brothers (Jay directed and photographed, Mark wrote and stars as the central character, Josh).
Yet he's happy enough, enjoying life with his girlfriend, Emily (Kathryn Aselton).Josh wants to celebrate his father's next birthday with a special present: an overstuffed LazyBoy chair just like the one Dad loved years ago.
The couple stop to look in on Josh's impetuous, dreamy kid brother, Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) and he ends up tagging along, not something that pleases either Emily or Josh.Delightful quirky episodes punctuate the trip, around such issues as getting a cheap rate at a motel, encountering the chair and figuring out what to do about it, and Rhett's whirlwind courtship and marriage.
Mark Duplass, who was present at this screening, told us that he and the other players (Kathryn Aselton is his real life fiancée; Rhett Wilkins is an old college chum from Austin) were free to improvise within broad outlines called for in the screenplay.They all do a bang up job.
Emily is forthright, caring and responsible; Rhett is a childish wisp of a fellow; Josh stands somewhere in between: he's ambivalent about responsibility, too inclined to take on burdens but, for that very reason, also resistant to commit.Given that the emotional ground traveled is so familiar, it is a tribute to the Duplasses that there are no clichés in this movie: no long harangues between the brothers; no standard-issue sex scenes; no real violence; no grade school-level humor.
The Puffy Chair is a totally charming, funny road-trip movie.
The Chair in the title refers to a gift for the brothers' father that becomes a catalyst for not only the road trip that forms the spine of this excellent film, but inflames all the character's flaws and passions to hilarious dénouement.
More than once I heard people saying that there were scenes out of their own lives on the screen in the "Puffy Chair"; I wish that we could all see ourselves as precisely and humorously as the Duplass brothers do.
The Puffy Chair is a simple road movie about two brothers and a girlfriend who take a trip to deliver a chair to their dad on his birthday.
I saw Puffy Chair last night at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and I loved it.
This movie is all about how we are in relationships and at times struck me in the way I relate to my girlfriend, and make me wonder about love and how it is shown and given, and accepted.
The ambition of these 'filmmakers' to make movies utterly transcends their ability to actually make a decent movie, thus films like 'The Puffy Chair' are taken seriously, not because they are good, or have anything other than self indulgence to offer, but simply because they got made.
A relationship/road movie about love, freedom, and a puffy chair..
Recently screened Jay Duplass' Sundance entry The Puffy Chair, and would recommend this thought-provoking film.
In fact, the natural performances of the two leads (Mark Duplass and Kathryn Aselton) are so real, it feels like you are witnessing intimate moments of close friends.
But the likability of the characters - their authenticity - and humor of the script make the film a joy to watch.The Puffy Chair stays with you long after the film is finished.
The Puffy Chair is a pleasure to watch; human and funny and full of well- observed moments that ring so true they elicit long, gorgeous belly laughs.Josh, his girlfriend Emily and his brother Rhett are on a road trip to visit Josh's father.
On the way they plan to pick up a puffy chair for Dad's birthday.The film, although buzzed as a road trip movie, is essentially a relationship comedy-drama, and unfortunately falls into gender stereotypes.
Warmer and less measured than Napoleon Dynamite or Garden State, The Puffy Chair is a lovely and--one more time--truly charming film.
It revolves around Josh (Mark Duplass, whose brother, Jay, directed the film), a twentysomething who plans to travel across the country to deliver his father a fluffy, purple reclining chair that he has longed for.
He takes the trip with his needy girlfriend, Emily (Katie Aselton) and his impulsive best friend, Rhett (Rhett Wilkins), and along the way, the picture decides to explore the trio's relationship with each other, along with Josh and his parents, and many others.For the first twenty-five minutes or so, the film is poignant, natural, and keenly avoids being indulgent to this idea of mumblecore that it seemingly erected from thin air.
There is a lot of good going for the Duplass brothers on their first feature film outing, about Josh (Mark Duplass) going to pick up a puffy red chair that is like he had as a childhood keepsake for his father, along with his girlfriend Emily (Katie Aselton) and along the way picking up his brother Rhett (Rhett Wilkins, simple enough to remember).
The Puffy Chair ultimately keeps to its low-key ways, but it almost goes into being just annoying itself, not simply about annoying people.You know what you're in for if you've seen something else by or featuring the Duplass' like Humpday or the recent Cyrus, which is akin to Puffy Chair's dealings with love and neuroses and trying to connect with one another with or without the bulls***.
Unlike a lot of micro-budgeted indies, THE PUFFY CHAIR boasts acting that's just dynamite; the performances of the three "lead characters" are flawless, real, and utterly compelling.
Actually, it's difficult to cite a shortcoming with regard to THE PUFFY CHAIR, and it's one of those situations where, had the film-makers had more money to work with, the result more than likely wouldn't have been as good.
While Rhett the actor is fairly good, Rhett the character remains a tad one dimensional.Beyond the faults of the production value and camera work, the film has a solid soundtrack and brings to light the most relevant question: Why are we together?.
The story of a young man, his girlfriend, and his brother driving down to Atlanta to deliver a chair to his father, the movie has a very un-Hollywood feel to it.
I couldn't sleep last night and ended up watching The Puffy Chair back to back, after starting on a few far more blockbusterish movies (such as Parental Guidance or Bachelorette) and getting bored with each after ten minutes.
I almost rated this one lower, because I didn't like the way I felt afterwards (I rate movies based on overall entertainment value, rather than pure artistic merit)...I've encountered enough of this movie's situations in real life to not want to watch others go through it on screen.
It has the basic formula of slackers in a meaningless job, and trying to figure out their love life - this time on a quest to pick up a puffy chair for dad's birthday.Jay and Mark Duplass share the credit for this film.
It looks more like a film student's project than a serious movie.Though well-acted, the characters are unlikeable.
Josh (Mark Duplass) and Emily (Kathryn Aselton) are a boyfriend-girlfriend couple having a bit of a tough time with their relationship.
So why call the movie The Puffy Chair and why isn't there a tie-in with it at the end?
I think there is something for everyone in this one!..."Puffy Chair" felt like a tag along production...It felt like a film crew tagged along with a guy and his girlfriend and his brother while on a road trip and whatever happened...Happened.
Mind you all other mumblecore movies sucked beyond belief and generally included grotesque nudity and incomprehensibly bad acting, but still, its good to be the best of something.I haven't seen baghead yet, but it looks like maybe they have made a few strides forward, the preview at least made it appear tolerable, where as even the Puffy Chair preview couldn't really hide the fact that it was going to suck.
I'm all for that, but I also think it's nice to see a film like the Puffy Chair that reminds us of the dysfunction that exists in all of our relationships.
The movie itself is fine, but there are several lines that are very well written, and even made me think about my own life/relationship.PS....the chair actually has very little camera time.Living in Atlanta, I expected this film to take place mostly full of hometown landmarks.
After reading a lot of hype, I finally got around to watching the Duplass Brothers' The Puffy Chair.
When Josh's beloved band breaks up he tries to salvage things with Emily by inviting her on a road trip to retrieve a puffy chair bought off of eBay. The problem is, Josh doesn't love her but he's too much of a "guy" to do anything about it...other than coast (one of many signs is his annoying habit of calling her "Dude").
By the journey's end, Josh is forced to man up, but in many ways (as the opening scene foreshadows) his and Emily's fate has already been decided.TPC's strength is in its simplicity - simply put, it is a road movie about a break-up.
At its core, the movie is a road trip undertaken by Josh, his girlfriend Emily, and his younger brother Rhett.
An interesting film, but in no way a good movie..
(They are the same ages as my two sons, born in 1973 and 1976.) Mark Duplass is in the lead as Josh who buys an old burgundy "puffy chair" on Ebay and takes a road trip to get it, then to bring it to his dad as a birthday present.
Josh brings his girlfriend Emily (pretty Kathryn Aselton) along in the van, and Josh's brother Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) decides to go along.The four of us watching it on DVD could not understand why this movie was released.
On the way, they plan to pick up a purple puffy chair like one they used to have in their family, which Josh has purchased on eBay. They stop to visit Josh's brother, Rhett, and he joins in for the trip.The movie is funniest when the focus is on Josh and Emily defining their relationship.