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Funny Ha Ha
2002
Shot in 16mm, FUNNY HA HA examines life after college in an understated and moving way. Written, directed, and co-starring Andrew Bujalski, the film features impressively naturalistic performances led by newcomer Kate Dollenmayer (a friend of Bujalski's from film school and animator on WAKING LIFE), whose commanding yet .. Read more
| Starring | Kate Dollenmayer, Andrew Bujalski, Justin Rice, Christian Rudder |
|---|---|
| Director | Andrew Bujalski |
| Genres | Drama |
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Funny Ha Ha
Shot in 16mm, FUNNY HA HA examines life after college in an understated and moving way. Written, directed, and co-starring Andrew Bujalski, the film features impressively naturalistic performances led by newcomer Kate Dollenmayer (a friend of Bujalski's from film school and animator on WAKING LIFE), whose commanding yet familiar presence may lead viewers to feel she's someone they've known for years. In fact everything about FUNNY HA HA feels familiar, from the characters to the dialogue. While reminiscent of early Richard Linklater work like SLACKER due to its slow pace and focus on human interaction, the conversations in FUNNY HA HA are less philosophical in theme, and more grounded in reality (awkward silences, stuttering, miscommunication, etc). Focusing more on character than on plot, the film revolves loosely around Marnie (Dollenmayer), an attractive and intelligent young woman searching clumsily for some sense of purpose in what seems at times like an aimless life. Nearing 24 and recently unemployed, Marnie spends her days hanging out with friends she knew in college, trying out unsatisfying temp positions, and pining after an unavailable and unwilling love interest. Bujalski's script and the seemingly improvisational performances of his cast capture the pains, joys, and frustrations of everyday life. Like Marnie, FUNNY HA HA is consumed not so much by an outward angst, but rather the reluctantly accepted reality that life is not perfect. In exploring the themes of Marnie's life, it artfully shows that people aren't always good or bad, things aren't always black and white, boundaries are easily blurred, and timing is often off. The world of the film is one that many viewers should recognise--one in which tragedy, humour, sadness, and happiness all coexist.
| Starring | Kate Dollenmayer, Andrew Bujalski, Justin Rice, Christian Rudder, Jennifer Schaper, Mark Herlehy, Myles Paige, Marshall Lewy, Ethan Vogt, Jennifer L. Schaper |
|---|---|
| Director | Andrew Bujalski |
| Studio | DIFFUSION PICTURES |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 30 mins Watch now: 1 hr 28 mins |
| Certificate | DVD: , Watch Online: |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English Watch Online: English |
| Released | DVD: 16 Apr 2007 Watch now: 12 May 2009 Production year: 2002 |
| Watch now | Subscribe and watch this as part of an unlimited package. |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Of the American independent filmmakers who have emerged during this decade, Andrew Bujalski has the most decisive and distinctive voice. He is a filmmaker with the rare ability to marry form and content in the depiction of a 'slice of life' that has never before been shown on the screen with such clarity
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Its highly likely that cinematic carbon daters would be caught off guard if asked to place the year of production of... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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15 out of 16 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Gently Astounding
An entirely disarming, almost otherworldly US indie flick that bears absolutely no relation to any other film yet made in this century. Shot on bewitching 16mm and starring nervous, charisma-free non-actors who appear to be improvising all of their dialogue (and badly, to boot) this is a film that had to graft slavishly for my affections. But it won me over in no time; what was initially so irritating about all this unfettered idiosyncrasy was that it appeared, early on, to be nothing more than an amateur's brattish convention trashing. But when shrewdly drawn characters slowly emerged and I found myself gripped by the barely visible anti-plot, I realised that this was the work of a truly singular talent. The director (new critic's darling and the 'Mumblecore' movement's patriarch Andrew Bujalski) also appears in the film, and his utterly astonishing performance more than deserves a citation. Needless to say, this flick certainly isn't for everyone, but if a Cassevettes and early Linklater collaboration sounds like your bag, then seek out this offbeat one-off immediately. Its incomparable.
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Most recent members' review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Terrible - avoid at all costs
This is the worst movie I have seen in my entire life. Nothing happens. Nothing. American nerds fumbling with what to say, no plot, no substance. So disappointing.
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News and features
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Mutual Appreciation
- 30 Apr 2007
Writer-director (and actor) Andrew Bujalski is the most highly-touted filmmaker in what is being talked about as the next new wave of American independent movies - a wave so new (if it even exists) no-one has settled on a name for it yet. 'Mumblecore' is one suggestion. 'Bedhead cinema' is another; 'Slackavettes' a third. The filmmakers in this frame include Joe Swanberg, the Duplass Brothers (whose Puffy Chair recently screened in London) and Todd Rohal. They are linked by poverty; first of... Read more
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