This movie is definitely a game. Funny... not so much!
My boo and I did not know what we were getting ourselves into when we decided to have a movie date night. I told him that he could pick from a selection of movies in my que. Unaware of the consequences of his actions, he picked Funny Games. A 1997 Austrian psychological thriller, directed by Michael Haneke. Considering that I’d already seen the 2007 shot for shot American remake by the same director -- I knew we were about to watch an agitating, voyeuristic movie about hostages and torture. Ahh, romance.
The movie opens as a conventional, upbeat family is traveling to their vacation home. George (Ulrich Mühe), Anna (Susanne Lothar) and their son Georgie (Stefan Clapczynski) are looking forward to a holiday in their sizable fancy lakehouse. Upon their arrival, the family meets Paul (Arno Frisch) and Peter (Frank Giering), two young men who appear to be acquaintances of neighboring friends. Seeming friendly enough, Anna doesn’t think twice when Peter shows up at her door looking to borrow a few eggs. Unfortunately, eggs aren’t the only thing that Peter craves. The family finds themselves imposed upon by the two pushy young men, who just won’t seem to leave their house. Tensions escalate as the family dog goes missing and George has his leg broken by a golf club. Situations get more distressing when Paul bets the family that they will all be dead by 9AM. A fun family vacation quickly turns into a nightmare as the two men force the family to play games determining the order in which they will die and how they will succomb to their deaths.
As if home invasion isn’t scary enough, Funny Games surely outstays its welcome. The movie focuses on the family’s twisted fatal game, but in actuality the game is meant for the audience. With a plethora of difficult scenarios to sit through, Haneke challenges you to view the whole film. Don’t expect to see graphic violence however -- the bulk of the casualties happen offscreen.
I’d say the most terrifying part of Funny Games, is the breaking of the fourth wall. Paul is totally mindful of the fact that you are watching this movie, shown as he turns and speaks to the camera several times. He is aware that you want the family to thrive and make it to the end. Don’t underestimate him though. When Anna picks up a gun and shoots Peter, Paul famously takes the television remote control to rewind Peter back to life. He is in control and it just isn’t fair.
Haneke has said that Funny Games is less about torture and more of an interpretation on how violence is shown in the media. How strong brutality is shown for no reason. I guess I didn’t pick that message up while I was watching… But I know one thing for sure, I will not be taking any lakeside vacations anytime soon!
Replacing Black Death in the number 21 spot… Funny Games.
Funny Games is now available to stream on Netflix Instant and Snagfilms.
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