Funny Games

Posted on April 1, 2008 at 5:50 pm by lkeddie | Permalink

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Released on DVD on 28th July 2008

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THE most disturbing and brutal psychological thriller you are likely to see in 2008! It’s brutal because it makes for remarkably uncomfortable viewing throughout as an awkward and chilling situation grows into one of desperation and despair for both the captive family and the audience. The actual acts of violence are often not portrayed, just the aftermath that includes the pain and suffering. The moments of madness are depicted by a crazed thrash metal soundtrack that punctures the opening title sequence, signalling the start of an uncomfortable cinematic ride ahead. Normally, there is closure in the sense that someone lives to tell the tale and justice is done. In fact, in a clever twist, the moment that things begin to tilt in favour of the hostages and some scrap of hope is given, when one of the two demented kidnappers gets his just deserts, the film ‘rewinds’ in favour of the tormentors.

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It is the killers that are totally in control of the entire story and the audience’s experience with pieces to camera reminding us that we are very much part of their game, too. The fictional family and the audience are never given any explanations for why the deeply disturbed young men are there doing what they are doing, or who they are, and where they have come from? They are an unknown menace with terrifyingly good manners, almost, at a guess, representing the most deranged type of serial killer from the same social and ethnic background as their victims. But who knows? That is the key: the little insight makes the story all the more powerful.

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Truly brilliant performances from all concerned, particularly, from Naomi Watts. I couldn’t agree more with a critic who remarked that: “Now the film is where it belongs”, as the non-Hollywood-style remake does not take any prisoners, as other American films portraying violence do, and the violence is not made consumable. It is simply something that cannot be stomached. Michael Haneke is a thriller master and his film is a must-see for fans of this genre, and one film that will be discussed for some time.

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By Lisa Keddie

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Synopsis

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Having established himself as one of the most important directors working today in Europe, winning Best Film for Hidden at the European Film Awards, Michael Haneke takes on America with an English language remake every bit as shocking as his brilliantly conceived original 1997 Funny Games. In this exploration of our violent culture, Michael Haneke retells the story through the eyes of middle-class housewife Anna (Naomi Watts), her husband George (Tim Roth) and their 10 year-old son Georgie (Devon Gearhart), who arrive at their secluded holiday home in the Hamptons for a two-week vacation. Soon after, a young man (Brady Corbet) makes a surprise call, and asks to borrow some eggs on behalf of the family’s neighbours. When the man is joined by his ‘charming’ friend (Michael Pitt), what initially appears to be an innocuous visit by their neighbour’s guests, soon turns into a horrifying ordeal for all concerned as the two men embark upon a twisted campaign of torment and raw terror.

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Film Facts

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Official UK Site: http://www.funnygamesthemovie.co.uk/

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Director: Michael Haneke

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Writer: Michael Haneke

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Cast: Naomi Watts (’Anne’), Tim Roth (’George’), Devon Gearhart (’Georgie’), Michael Pitt (’Paul’), Brady Corbet (’Peter’)

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UK Distributor: Tartan Films/ Halcyon Pictures