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Dome Pondering Movie Review: Funny Games (U.S. 2007)


What it's about?


A film that touches on society's interest for thrill and violence. Two polite, articulate, yet violent psychopaths mentally and physically torture a father, his wife, and their son on their next stop in a spree through numerous vacation homes.

Who is in it?

Naomi Watts - Ann

Tim Roth - George

Michael Pitt - Paul

Brady Corbet - Peter

Devon Gearhart - George Jr.

Favorite Scene


The initial scene when the family arrives to the vacation home. Peter arrives and asks for eggs. Upon receiving the eggs, he asks for another four to take for the neighbors next door. He comes back and claims he is terrified of dogs, and that he broke the eggs. After knocking her cell phone into the sink, he politely asks for four more, and insists that she gives him more eggs. After she declines, he still, politely says she should give him the eggs, because thats all he came for. He continues these mind games until she finally breaks.

Favorite Quote

"You bet that you'll be alive tomorrow at 9 o'clock, and we bet you'll be dead. Okay?"

Review

Funny Games is a remake of the original European version which debuted in 1997. Funny Games is a movie that is very warped in its entirety, yet reveals so much about the American (and human) culture of expecting thrill and violence. The film does leaves the viewer waiting and hanging throughout several scenes with anticipation without any payoff. This is evident in the fact that all murders and violence happen are not visible. The scene either cuts away from the violence, or the camera shot tilts to where the violence cannot be interpreted. This is also portrayed through various scenes where anticipation is built up for a thrill, and no pay off occurs.

The message is sent half-way through the film where you understand the director's purpose and message for the film (A scene where time is rewound). The message is also evident in scenes where the characters break the proverbial "fourth wall", and interacts with the viewer.

The characters are portrayed well, as Naomi Watts does a great job with the character, "Ann", and Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet are overly convincing in their roles as the polite and articulate killers.

Funny Games is an interesting movie if you have some time on your hands. The message of mocking violence and thrill is understood, yet, the lack of payoffs and development can become overkill.

Grade: 2/5

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