9. Happiness
Too controversial to be screened at Sundance, the problem with
Happiness is not that it's a bad movie - the problem with
Happiness is that it is an utterly hilarious movie filled with every bad 'n taboo topic imaginable. Pedophilia, rape, suicide, murder, dismemberment, sexual harassment, domestic violence, assault, infidelity and not one, but
two scenes of characters masturbating all inhabit Todd Solondz's sick suburban vision. And yet the movie is one of the best comedies I've ever seen in my life! It's the ultimate Schadenfreude pick-me-up. But try explaining that on a date to somebody who's never seen it. 'So there's this movie,
Happiness, right? Indie classic. Daniel Clowes did the cover art, Michael Stipe sings the theme song, and it stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jane Adams, Jared Harris and Camryn Manheim, just to name a few.' 'Cool!' 'Yeah! Oh man, and there is just the
funniest scene where the character of Andy brutally dumps Joy, comparing himself to champagne, and her to scat.' 'That... that's funny?' 'Yeah, and then Andy kills himself. But that scene is pretty funny too.' '... I don't think this is working out.'