Funny Games, writer-director Michael Haneke’s (The White Ribbon; Hidden) return, ten years on, towards the provocative movie that built his international reputation in 1997, transforms the action of his original movie to the idyllic globe of the Hamptons in America in a remake that garnered a five star review in Time Out and four star reviews in Empire, Total Movie, The Guardian, News from the World and Loaded.
Taking a much-needed vacation, a young family prepares for a relaxing time at their secluded holiday house. When a polite young man makes a surprise call and asks to borrow some eggs, his clumsiness leads towards the appearance of his equally charming friend. However, the seemingly innocent visit soon turns into a horrific ordeal since the whole household is subjected to an unrelenting campaign of torment and torture.
Confronting the notions of violence in the media, the film’s two protagonists, Paul and Peter, taunt not only the household but also the viewers, addressing the camera and implicating others into their torturous game play.
Adding further power towards the film, Haneke has assembled a stellar cast led by Naomi Watts (The International; Eastern Promises) and Tim Roth (Lie To Me; The Incredible Hulk) since the besieged couple with young actors Michael Pitt (Last Days; The Dreamers) and Brady Corbet (Mysterious Skin; Thirteen) as their charming but disturbed tormentors.
A must-see work by one of the world’s leading and most acclaimed film directors, Funny Games is really a shocking and unforgettable experience.
Funny Games (cert. 18) is going to be released on DVD (£9.99) and Blu-ray (£15.99) by Kaleidoscope Entertainment on 1st March 2010. Specific Features contain: exclusive interview with Michael Haneke; Dolby Digital 5.1 audio; theatrical trailer.
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