Funny Games: Review By Querido

Funny Games is a self-reflective look at the environment where Michael Haneke expresses his contempt against violence/suspense in Hollywood films. Although, I don't agree with his theorem, I do intrigue the way how he executes his vision. On an ingenious way he kicks against conventions (the child dies first, the bad guys win), he plays with the 'experience' of the viewer (the infamous remote scene) and he 'abuses' the typical stylistic elements to call suspense (meaningful in zooming on a knife, without it will be used). The most convincing point I think is Haneke's criticism against the search to a motive from the perpetrators. He illustrates how reasoning is nothing more then obvious cliches.

On paper it may sound less interesting and a little moralizing, but I do not see the movie as an academic doctrine. Although Funny Games is a meta-happening that breaks the suspension and disbelief, the film did not really 'touch' me. Even during the opening scene Haneke creates an ingenious contrast during an innocent family scene. They are not obvious about any evil and enjoy a car ride with classic music, while the viewer hears chaotic trash metal. This deceptive serenity is continued by a lack of usual cinematic technics to call suspense. That effect brings and causes threat and unpredictability. Also when the 'hell breaks loose' the film stays impressive. The perpetrators have been cast very well and their exaggerated formal language is at one point even frightening.

Although the self-consciousness of the film, the terror in Funny Games is extremely realistic: the physical/ mental torment is really more passable or surmountable then in similar films, but is brought to the screen in almost an unbearable way. Also the decay of the victims is really painful and real. I have read that a lot fall because of the lack assertiveness and heroism with characters, but I thought that was a respite.

Funny Games is indeed a small masterpiece, if you want to put it like that. Confronting, uncomfortable and usually misunderstood.