Funny Games (3/5)

I really do not know what to think of this film. I peeked at the critics for some explanation and they were all markedly divided. I don’t think anyone thought it was just “ok”. It is either brilliant satire/criticism of the torture film genre or another of the sort. To Haneke’s credit, he doesn’t show the gore on screen like we all expect, but the menace is still there nonetheless. Nor does he deliver the justice we would hope for–not even close. So if you like this film, I am very curious what you liked about it. Haneke even drops the forth wall on occasion and has an alternate scene in the middle of the film–well, sorta, I don’t know how else to describe it. Whether these jarring narrative cock-ups are all part of the titular “game” or the director taking the piss, you can’t walk away from this one unruffled. I’ve been asking people if they’d rather create something that was good, or something loved and hated–most have said loved and hated. I’ll give this thing 3 stars (a “good” rating) for being so loved and hated, for taking a risk, and for screwing with the medium in a passionate and compelling manner. And, yet another minimalistic score that did the trick just fine.

Filed under: 3 stars, review