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Funny Games -- Haneke Hates Us

I just saw Michael Haneke's adaptation of his own movie Funny Games, and I have to say it was one of the most appalling horrors I've ever seen. Never have I witnessed a filmmaker who has so much contempt for their audience.

The premise of the movie is simple (and, I have to say, alluring) -- two psychos take a rich family hostage and make a bet that they won't live through the night. But it quickly becomes obvious what the point of the movie is: scolding the audience for enjoying the horror genre.

How does Haneke do this? By breaking the fourth wall and having the kidnappers address the audience, just to make sure you're not actually getting into the story he's presented. Well Mr. Haneke, I wouldn't go to see the movie if I didn't get any enjoyment out of it, and if I want to be lectured, I'll go to church. I felt viscerally insulted by the film, more so because of the promise it showed.

Did I read this movie wrong? Did anyone out there actually enjoy this movie?

Filed under: Reviews
Tags: funny games, michael haneke

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