Review: ‘Funny Games’

Travis:

Michael Haneke (Cache’) brings us Funny Games again, this time in an English-language version. The original German-language version was released in 1997 and I must confess I have not seen it, yet. I am curious after seeing the new version, whether the original is that much different at all. I actually find it strange when a director, especially one as respected as Haneke, chooses to remake his own film. But, who am I to question his motives? The fact is, Funny Games is a great thriller that toys with the audience on a primal-emotional level.

The opening sequence is brilliant. George, played by Tim Roth (Invincible), and his family are driving along the inter-state with their sailboat in tow. They are headed for their lakeside vacation home, playing family games and listening to classical, operatic music. Everything just seems so damn peaceful and wholesome … then, as the film’s title appears over the shot in large, bold red characters, the music abruptly turns to hardcore punk death-metal that makes Rammstein sound mild. This sets the mood for the entire film.

Ann, played by Naomi Watts (Eastern Promises), is preparing dinner in the kitchen of their quaint lakeside home while her son is helping George dock their boat. We are introduced at this time to Paul and Peter, or … Tom and Jerry, or … Beavis and Butthead. Paul, played by Michael Pitt (The Hawk is Dying), and Peter, played by Brady Corbett (Mysterious Skin), jokingly refer to each other as different amusing names. These two, which we never really learn anything about, are indeed psychotic socio-pathic serial killers … but, they’re so charming. They fool their prey with their manners and attack them with a calculated strategy of demented madness.

Why am I being so vague? Because, it’s difficult to explain this movie without giving anything away. So, let’s cut to the chase. I found myself thoroughly immersed in the slowly unveiled suspense of the family’s fate, both horrified and awkwardly humored by every little act of terror committed by the two murderous boys. It’s like watching Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, if they were cast in Natural Born Killers and directed by Rob Zombie. That’s weird, but I had trouble coming up with a suitable explanation of why someone could find themselves even chuckle at some of the situations this movie puts us into.

Which brings me to my second point … Haneke chose to include the audience in the film, just slightly, but enough to make us accomplices to the violence. On three separate occasions, Paul breaks the fourth wall, inviting the audience to interject their opinion into the debate. At first, I found this annoying. I rarely experience a movie that attempts this successfully, but as the film plays on and you get a better feel for what Haneke is actually getting at, it becomes more evident that the technique is effective. I plan to see the original, but I am glad I had not before seeing this. This film benefits greatly from not knowing how its course will run … so, stay clear of spoilers.

[rating: 5/5]