A “Header” is defined, in the movie, as “The worst revenge tactic conceivable” or “an eye for an eye.” To further quote the deranged duo “after all, that’s what the bible says don’t it?” What Header really turns out to be is a practical joke played by Edward Lee, the author of the original short story on which the movie is based.
When he was approached to option one of his stories, Edward Lee decided to test the sense of humor of the producers involved by sending them a few more stories, with one of his most depraved tales as a chaser. (A recollection that is told along with many others in the extensive and hilarious special features.) At its core, the flick is two stories that slowly blend together climaxing in an intensely satisfying finale that you have to see to believe.
What is a Header? That was the question burning in the back of my mind (like a hot drill perhaps?). My wife asked me to keep an eye out for the DVD after she realized it was listed on her favorite author’s (Jack Ketchum of The Lost, The Girl Next Door, and The Offspring fame) IMDB page. The more I tried to research the movie, instead of going with a blind buy, the more the same question continued to surface. Adding fuel to that fire, of course, is the official website www.whatsaheader.com.
