It makes perfect sense that filmmaker Michael Haneke would want to remake his psychological distress-machine Funny Games for our reality-TV-obsessed society; with its breaking of the fourth wall, Hanekes 1997 original is a fascinating and disturbing look at how audiences, in their own unconscious ways, act as willing participants to slaughter while watching scenes of torture and murder. Granted, killing ones own brain cells as you watch Kim Kardashian get a butt x-ray on Keeping Up With The Kardashians isnt comparable to full-blown homicide, but, still, Hanekes message rings loudly in the 2007 film. Just like the 97 flick, Funny Games observantly views two teenage sociopaths meticulous destruction of an innocent family, complete with one villains dialogue spoken directly into the camera. Its also entirely bleak, right down to the scene in which one of the bad guys dies but comes back thanks to a simple push of an imaginary Rewind button. Many will say its a showy, ridiculous bit of filmmaking for its own sake, but it wouldnt be Haneke if it wasnt totally audacious and provocative.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
