I’ve recently heard of this film after finding out that it was being released on DVD here in the US. Well, I recently got my hands on a copy of this one and watched it a few days ago. The film is written and directed by Michael Haneke and the DVD was recently released by a company called Kino. It’s a film about a family going to spend some vacation time at a summer home. When they get there everything seems to be normal and it’s business as usual. But that’s not to last too long. Two men show up at the home and from that point on the film changes tone and direction. This film is a gut renching and painful to watch at times and is a very intelligent film. I think it’s safe to say that FUNNY GAMES is a movie that challenges the viewer to think why they are watching what’s happening and Haneke finds some really cleaver ways to do so. There’s even a scene where one of the men who are holding the family captive winks at the camera as if you the viewer are in on their sick joke. I can’t begin to explain how many ways this film is innovative, intelligent, and in many ways.....down right creepy. After watching this you feel as exausted as you would running in a marathon and that in my honest opinion is the reason why people watch movies in the first place. FUNNY GAMES stays with you days after you watch it and that’s only a compliment to the excellent film that it is. The film forces you the viewer to have a sort of an “agreement” with the two criminals (who’s names you don’t ever find out) in what they are doing simply because you are there watching along with them..........for entertainment. For DVD collectors there isn't much supplimental material on the DVD besides a interview from director Michael Haneke. Highly recommended.
Rating - ***½
-Ed Demko
