Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on October 13, 2007 at 12:24:39

In Reply to: RE: Should I bother with the "relentlessly assaultive" films of Michael Haneke? They're showing at Harvard Film Archive... posted by clarkjohnsen on October 13, 2007 at 11:17:38

well to see "Funny Games," which Haneke currently is remaking.
The original was startlingly real, with true scenes of horror not filmed in the Hollywood exploitive manner with blood flying everywhere and chainsaws grinding and all the more powerful for it.
The two protagonists are very matter-of-factly acted as seemingly nice, normal German young men and the family they victimize is typical, as well.
No easy answers, yet the film, unlike the current genre of slash/torture/mayhem, isn't afraid to pose some disturbing questions.
From the beginning scene where the family motors through beautiful scenery, listening to operatic arias, to the final scene at the boat landing, Haneke interweaves the deepest horror with unexpected beauty.
Not to be missed.