Running time: 112 minutes
Starring: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Brady Corbet, Michael Pitt, Devon Gearhart
Rating 9 out of 10
There's nothing particularly funny about Michael Haneke's new film, essentially an English language remake of his chilling 1997 German language film, but there is plenty to perversely enjoy. Strictly speaking the full title of the film is Funny Games US as it has ostensibly been remade for the American market - or should that be aimed at the US market? It's unlikely to make Haneke many new friends if it ever shows in the malls of middle America, but existing fans of this dark and bleak director should find much to revel in. After the worldwide success of his 2005 masterpiece Hidden (Cache), Haneke here concentrates on giving what he sees as comfortable, middle of the road audiences a shock to the system. He is really asking the question 'what should film entertainment be'? as much as Jarry and Pirandello questioned the role of theatre 100 years ago.
Therefore a lot of people are going to find themselves feeling very angry coming out of Funny Games. There is no tidy and happy ending (it's actually utterly immoral), and frequently characters turn directly to the camera to ask the audience questions. It's just one of the ways in which the writer/director tries to upset conventions.
It's beautifully shot and impeccably cast: Tim Roth and Naomi Watts are George and Ann, the perfect parents of the angelic Georgie (Devon Gearhart). Haneke always calls his central couple George and Ann. Their weekend retreat at their stunning lakeside holiday home is interrupted by two well-dressed and impeccably mannered young men (Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt) who initially come to their door to borrow some eggs but have intentions that are far darker than anyone might imagine.
What follows will amuse few and confuse many, but it's the sort of shot in the arm that the cinema needs from time to time. Upsetting and exhilarating in equal measure.
Paul Hurley
