It's been a while since we threw a film out here on EC...Rarely can I say I liked a remake better. That said...Michael Haneke's 2007 "Americanized" version of Funny Games is pretty much an exact replica of the original 1997 Austrian version, with some obvious differences in cultural references. But most of the script and shots are exactly the same. The original is great as well...but the latest hits closer to home, for obvious reasons. Top notch acting performances in both, but I give a slight nod to Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet over the original bad guys. And while the late Ulrich Muhe was phenomenal in '97, you can never go wrong with Tim Roth.
Assuming you hadn't seen the original, I'd recommend seeing this one first. Only problem...there are no extras with the current DVD, so if you want a glimpse into Haneke's mind and motives for making the film, then you should check out the 1997 version which has an in depth interview (circa 2005) with the director.
This film is easily my favorite of the year so far. However, I have a difficult time blindly recommending to everyone because many people will probably loathe it. As Haneke says, some people simply "need" this film. And personally, I find it sorta fun to be poked with a stick once and awhile. Morbid, I know.
If you watch Funny Games with a significant other...perhaps someone who likes to watch movies and point out the naivety of the victims...it may be more entertaining for you (as it was for me). Hook. Line. Sinker :)
I won't spoil anything, but I'll just say the way Haneke slowly builds suspense in his films (see Cache) is fresh and creative. No CG stuff, no goofy score, no crazy special effects, no overproduced crap. The other ingredient I found enjoyable was that provocative poking I was mentioning. Funny Games gives you that uncomfortable feeling. You'll see.
The 2007 trailer...
The 1997 trailer...
4 comments:
I love this film too. It made me want to make out with Michael Pitt so bad. That boy is one hot piece of Capeside ass and I aint kidding.
He is. I wouldn't care if he wanted to come into my home and do whatever he wanted to me, even hurt me and stuff. That Naomi Watts character, wtf was she complaining about anyway? I didn't get that part.
with all due respects to loyal ECer gbvh, perhaps one of the funniest comments ever posted on these pages.
and for what it's worth, Naomi's got nothing on Suzanne Lother, who played the original Anna. Naomi is surely the hotter of the two...but the acting isn't close.
That said...the original gets disqualified automatically...after all...there's no Michael Pitt in it :)
I love the original but I don't think I can deal with seeing a remake that's basically a clone. I believe you that it's an improvement though. I just can't justify putting myself through that again.
We watched them in opposite order, within 1 week of each other, but yeah...I can understand that sentiment.
The suspense/tension aspect is kinda thrown out the door the 2nd time around. Jess couldn't sit through it a second time. I on the other hand...
speaking of "tension", I gotta talk about High Tension on here pretty soon.
Post a Comment