Funny Games US and the Importance of Entertainment

The 2008 remake of Funny Games U.S. is a disturbing and thought-provoking thriller directed by Michael Haneke. The film stars Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, Brady Corbet, and Devon Gearhart. Haneke's original Funny Games was released in Germany during 1997.

Ann (Naomi Watts) and husband George (Tim Roth) arrive at their Long Island summer home with son Georgie (Devon Gearhart) to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The vacation suddenly takes a turn for the worse when two deranged young men, Paul (Michael Pitt) and Peter (Brady Corbet), overpower the family and hold them hostage. The family must endure a series of violent and twisted games throughout the night, leaving them struggling to stay alive.

The opening scene begins with an overhead shot of the family's vehicle traveling on a desolate road. Anne, George, and Georgie are playfully competing in a guessing game of classical opera tunes. Suddenly an ear-piercing death metal tune interrupts the classical opera and viewers are no longer able to hear the family discussion. The three finally arrive at their summer home and begin unpacking their belongings. George and Georgie dock their sailboat while Ann rummages through the kitchen. Ann is unexpectedly confronted by two polite and seemingly harmless young men dressed in golf attire. She soon realizes the boys are intentionally antagonizing her and demands they leave immediately, but the boys are noncompliant. The situation quickly escalates with the entire family being held hostage by Paul and Peter, and a night of torture ensues.

The cast Oscar nominated actress Naomi Watts is best known for her performances in Eastern Promises, King Kong, and The Ring. I envy Watts' ability to portray any character she is casted for and thought she gave an incredible performance as Ann in Funny Games. Tim Roth is also an Oscar nominated actor and has had roles in The Musketeer, Dark Water, and Pulp Fiction. I was disappointed with Roth's performance as the helpless fatherly and husband figure. Perhaps it was the script and character traits, but his acting was painful to watch. Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet gave captivating performances throughout the film by truly connecting with their characters. Pitt has had leading roles in the movies Murder by Numbers and The Village, while Corbet starred in Thirteen and Mysterious Skin.

Funny Games U.S. is not the typical American horror film with sensationalized gore. The off-screen violence allows the audience to interpret the film's message instead of focusing on blood and guts. The philosophy behind the film might be confusing and frustrating, but once understood is superbly intelligent. I found myself horrified by the dialogue and intense sequences, but enjoyed the message Haneke was trying to convey to the audience. Funny Games is an original, uncomfortable, and frightening film that will leave you absolutely horrified.

I rate this movie a 4 out of 5. You shouldn't forget the importance of entertainment!