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• Funny Games on DVD (1997)
  Starring: Susanne Lothar,  Ulrich Muhe,  Frank Giering
  Director: Michael Haneke
  Certificate:
  Anyone reading this review that watches movies to gain a sense of escapism, stop reading now and go rent something from the Comedy section.
  This is probably the most powerful, disturbing yet ultimately relevant film I have ever seen. I saw this film on the recommendation of a friend without knowing much at all about it beforehand. It was shown on Channel 4 some years ago as part of an Extreme Cinema season and, as far as I know, has never since been shown on terrestial TV again - and with good reason...
  For many TV consumers, this movie would be a step too far. Michael Haneke is known for pushing the envelope but with Funny Games, he managed a whole new level of nasty.
  One of the best things about this film is that most of the violence is not actually shown - it is all in the mind of the viewer, meaning that it is as dark and horrifically cruel as you allow it to be. As was the case with the infamous ear-cutting scene in Reservoir Dogs, the censors got their knickers in a twist over 'on-screen' violence that isn't really shown, only perceived. Sure, we know what's going on, but we're not allowed to see it, leaving the viewer to determine the level and intensity of violence.
  That said, I suppose the fact that I found this film to be so disturbing speaks volumes about my own mindset. Having finished it, I found I was almost disgusted with myself for having watched right until the end but I also felt that I had been rewarded for making it through. Haneke's aim of making us question why we find on-screen violence so abhorrent is very well realised - we all have some level of darkness inside us and it's the fear of that realisation that makes us detest the film's villains so much. They're just too real for comfort.
  The movie's soundtrack is also used to great effect and is an assault on the senses in it's own right. Classical music bleeding straight into ear-wrenching death metal does nothing to steady your already frayed nerves.
  Enjoyable is not a word I would use to describe this film but profound and compelling it most definitely is. Proceed with caution and get ready to meet the human animal in all it's dubious glory.   3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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