Rent Funny Games (2007)
3.0 of 5 from 151 ratings
1h 47min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Michael Haneke takes on America with an English language remake every bit as shocking as his brilliantly conceived original 1997 Funny Games. In this exploration of our violent society Haneke retells the story through the eyes of a middle-class family who arrive at their secluded holiday home in the Hamptons for a two-week vacation. Soon after, a young man makes a surprise call, and asks to borrow some eggs. When the man is joined by his 'charming' friend (Michael Pitt), what initially appears to be an innocuous visit by their neighbour's guests, soon turns into a horrifying ordeal for all concerned as the two men embark upon a twisted campaign of torment and raw terror.
- Actors:
- Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet, Devon Gearhart, Boyd Gaines, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Robert LuPone, Susi Haneke, Linda Moran
- Directors:
- Michael Haneke
- Writers:
- Michael Haneke
- Studio:
- Tartan
- Genres:
- Thrillers
- Collections:
- Top 10 European Remakes, Top 10 World Cinema Remakes, Top Films
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 28/07/2008
- Run Time:
- 107 minutes
- Languages:
- English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Subtitles:
- None
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 1.85:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- Bonus:
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Interview with Director
- Q&A with Producers
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Reviews (3) of Funny Games
Superbly Acted & Psychologically Distrubing - Funny Games review by CP Customer
Having recently seen a number of movies dealing with the subject of mental and physical torture such as Them, Eden Lake and The Strangers I went into this film not having seen the original foreign version or really knowing anything about it. Surprisingly I really enjoyed it. It’s creepy, realistic and, unlike The Strangers and Eden Lake, unconventional. Unconventional in the fact that it doesn’t resort to the usual techniques of this type horror. There are no ridiculous chase sequences or hid and seek moments to build up the tension. All the tension comes from the realism of the situation, acting and the fact that the torment is, for the most part, psychological and verbal, with most of the physical violence being heard off-screen. This decision not to show the violence or to spend long lingering shots on props or locations makes the film even more uncomfortable to watch at times because disturbingly you find yourself wanting to move the camera yourself. Without giving too much away, just when you start to believe it’s only a movie there are a number of disturbing moments when suddenly you feel more like an observer of real events rather than of fiction. Anybody who’s a fan of the usual scary action movie full of graphic violence will probably hate this film. As one review I read says “the director sets up our expectations, and then refuses to provide the conventional catharsis….or the conventional anything. The acting is superb especially from Naomi Watts who, after a number of brilliant performances, is fast becoming one of my favourite actresses. “A horrifyingly precise account of a family terrorized by two psychopathic young thugs.”
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Inferior to the original. - Funny Games review by CP Customer
Though exactly the same film as Michael Haneke's 1997 original (this is an English language remake), this version seems inferior to the original. It's the same great script delivered by a top notch cast, though compared to the original it's far less shocking. In the 10 years since the original "Funny Games" was released we've become far more immune to real life violence whether it be psychological or psychical. In the '97 original the idea of two psychotic youths breaking into a home an terrorising a family was shocking and disturbing to watch and Haneke's clever use of subtle direction made the film all the more uncomfortable for the viewer. This remake however is far less subtle, far more in your face and although still a good film is strangely not as effective as its predecessor.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Almost unwatchable - Funny Games review by JG
The main questions I have for this film is to ask why on earth would a filmmaker want to make it and how is the viewer supposed to react? It's not entertainment. Is it supposed to be a reflection of the evil that lies in each individual? Is it a film for sadists? Is Hanneke having a laugh at audience gullibility? We don't know what the psychological state of the attackers is, we have no idea of their motivation. There dasn't seem to be one other than sadism. If you as a viewer enjoy watching a family being treated like this before the conclusion of the film, this may be for you. If you look for some redeeming features in this tale, hard luck.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.