Funny Games US (2007)

Directed by: Michael Haneke | 111 minutes | drama, thriller, crime | Actors: Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet, Devon Gearhart, Boyd Gaines, Siobhan Fallon, Robert LuPone, Susanne C. Hanke, Linda Moran

‘Funny Games US’ is a remake of a hard-hitting thriller from 1997 by director Michael Haneke. Haneke gained international fame with the German-language film version of ‘Funny Games’ at the time, and the film caused a lot of controversy. Questions that were asked were whether Haneke was actually working on a gruesome indictment of violence or whether he was secretly enjoying the horrors he showed himself?

Haneke herself indicates that she deliberately does not answer such questions, in the belief that an explanation would reassure people. Haneke says he is looking for ways to show violence as it really is. Violence is not a matter of swallowing. The pain of the victims and the wounding of human beings is a reality that must be shown. In that sense, he thinks this remake, now set in America, is entirely appropriate, because American cinema often has a lot of violence and violence is made ‘manageable’ in it.

The overall setup is completely similar to the old script of the 1997 movie. If you’ve seen that movie before, you’ll recognize a lot. Even then, the film is definitely worth a review. Should the description of what to expect just about put you off beforehand? By no means, that what was perhaps still extremely shocking in 1997 is much less shocking for today’s film buffs given the developments in the last ten years. In addition, the truly confrontational effects of violence are often barely visible in the picture. With all this in mind, there is little reason not to see the film for those reasons.

The story itself develops relatively standard. A neat little family of Ann (Naomi Watts), George (Tim Roth) and their son Georgie (Devon Gearhart) is heading for a weekend off at the country house to do some sailing and golf with the neighbors. Upon arrival, the neighbors seem to react somewhat strangely. They have a visit from two young people. Ann and George pay no further attention to that. The weekend starts, but it doesn’t go well for long. They are soon visited by the two young people (roles of Brady Corbet and Michael Pitt), who, at the apparent request of the neighbors, come to ask for a few eggs. Ann becomes uneasy and asks them to leave. Just then her husband George comes home, who is eager to let them leave. The case immediately escalates and they are soon terrorized by the two boys who want to play ‘Funny Games’ with them. Where at first it seems like these guys are a bit bored, things quickly get out of hand. They are going to play games with them that ultimately decide life and death.

Especially the performances of Naomi Watts and Michael Pitt are strong and convincing, Tim Roth plays adequate but just has a less supportive role. The young David Gearhart also plays a great role as little Georgie and knows how to convey the fear very well.

As indicated, the effects of the violence have been largely left out of the picture. Remarkably enough, Haneke chooses to have the viewer address the audience through Michael Pitt’s character as if he wants to enter into a discussion with the audience. That takes the pressure off a bit, because it simultaneously places the violence in a different proportion.

While some may still run away from the suspense that the film contains, fans of the typical horror films with blood constantly splashing around may even find the film a bit too tame. The strong acting and the setting created by Haneke and the resulting overall atmosphere make the film well worth watching. Not a relaxed evening, but cinematographically convincing. A confrontational recommendation in a cynical and sinister atmosphere.