Funny Games

There are two versions of this film, and I will be discussing the shot-for-shot remake that was released in 2007. The original was directed by the same man, Michael Haneke, but was released oversees and in German. I’ve seen both and I have to say that the remake is far more shcking and authentic for me. I don’t know if it’s the subtitle barrier or what, but I connected more with the 2007 version of FUNNY GAMES. I know that I do need to be more adventurous and tackle films that I haven’t seen, but I guess that would be too much work for me. I’ve fallen into the Americanized life of simplicity trap. Oh Jeez. But if anything, this film definitely does challenge its audience and it leaves you thinking, and possibly… changed? What more could we ask from these moving pictures with sound?

Funny Games Trailer Here

Within the first five minutes we are shockingly aware that this is not going to be your average, run-of-the-mill popcorn film to take grandma to. As our happy little family plays the “guess which classical composer this is” game the title is slapped onto the screen accompanied by goth, deathmetal, screamo music (I’m sure it’s called something else) and we are awaken from our slumber and alerted to the journey that lies ahead of us. Nothing is what it seems.

The first act is beautifully paced and written. It builds ever so slowly and with the right amount of intensity. There is an awkward tension building until the older brother tells Mr. Farvor that he will break his eggs if he doesn’t give the eggs, and then the father slaps him. That was the flame that lit the wick. We obviously know that something was to set the boys off to remove that awkward air regarding their presence with the family and that was it. It could’ve been anything actually. They knew why they were there.

The film’s message is blunt and unrelenting. We are punched in the face with all of it. The director is trying to make us see that we have become desensitized to violence and torture against humans. It has become mere entertainment for us and we want it to be as extreme as possible. During one scene in the film one of the brothers actually stops and turns to the camera and asks; “You don’t want us to stop now. You want to be entertained, don’t you?” (Paraphrased – something to that effect). In that scene we the realization hits – everything that has been done, has been done to thrill and shock us. We are little rats in a maze being coaxed along with the hint of cheese around each corner. The media is also lumped into that group with us. They love the shock-news filled with car bombings, suicides, standoffs, and war clips.

Watch out for the 10 minute shot of the mother trying to get up and escape while in the living room. It is the most incredible shot, because she doesn’t break character for a second and her performance really is astounding. And the love the etiquette the brothers consistently use. They are so proper and polite about everything. It really drives home the point.

The best and most intense moment of the film comes towards the end when the two brothers are on the sailboat crossing the lake. It’s just an “awe” moment where we realize how they (we) value the quality of life these days. And there is no justice. They simply move on to the next family, just as they should. This film is shocking, full of torture and violence, demeaning, but it makes you think and challenges the commonplaces we have become accustom to in film today.

Rating: 9.5/10