Director Michael Heneke's FUNNY GAMES is all about frustration, mindless violence, absurdity, and hopelessness. The Director holds us captive, along with the victims, forcing us to watch Peter and Paul (Frank Giering and Arno Frisch) torment, torture, and ultimately destroy them. He allows us no way out of the situation, while also breaking the fourth wall several times, implicating us in the horror.
This movie is a trick on the audience, a way for Mr. Heneke to vent his anger over Hollywood's glorification, and worship of violent entertainment. As insane as it all becomes, FUNNY GAMES is closer to reality than most so-called "action" or "crime drama" films. There are no heroes. No escape hatches. No last minute deus ex machina(s) to save the day. Nothing, but cold, bleak finality.
Many people hate this movie because it doesn't give them what they think they want. It doesn't resolve with a happy ending, or even a tragic, yet poignant ending. It doesn't actually resolve at all. It simply takes us down into the abyss, and leaves us there...
This movie is a trick on the audience, a way for Mr. Heneke to vent his anger over Hollywood's glorification, and worship of violent entertainment. As insane as it all becomes, FUNNY GAMES is closer to reality than most so-called "action" or "crime drama" films. There are no heroes. No escape hatches. No last minute deus ex machina(s) to save the day. Nothing, but cold, bleak finality.
Many people hate this movie because it doesn't give them what they think they want. It doesn't resolve with a happy ending, or even a tragic, yet poignant ending. It doesn't actually resolve at all. It simply takes us down into the abyss, and leaves us there...