Funny Games, writer-director Michael Haneke’s (The White Ribbon; Hidden) return, ten years on, to the provocative film that built his international reputation in 1997, transforms the action of his original film to the idyllic world of the Hamptons in America in a remake that garnered a five star review in Time Out and four star reviews in Empire, Total Film, The Guardian, News of the World and Loaded.
Taking a much-needed vacation, a young family prepares for a relaxing time at their secluded holiday home. When a polite young man makes a surprise call and asks to borrow some eggs, his clumsiness leads to the appearance of his equally charming friend. However, the seemingly innocent visit soon turns into a horrific ordeal as the whole family is subjected to an unrelenting campaign of torment and torture.
Confronting the notions of violence in the media, the film’s two protagonists, Paul and Peter, taunt not only the family but also the viewers, addressing the camera and implicating others into their torturous game play.
Adding further power to the film, Haneke has assembled a stellar cast led by Naomi Watts (The International; Eastern Promises) and Tim Roth (Lie To Me; The Incredible Hulk) as the besieged couple with young actors Michael Pitt (Last Days; The Dreamers) and Brady Corbet (Mysterious Skin; Thirteen) as their charming but disturbed tormentors.
A must-see work by one of the world’s leading and most acclaimed film directors, FUNNY GAMES is a shocking and unforgettable experience.
FUNNY GAMES (cert. 18) will be released on DVD (£9.99) and Blu-ray (£15.99) by Kaleidoscope Entertainment on 1st March 2010. Special Features include: exclusive interview with Michael Haneke; Dolby Digital 5.1 audio; theatrical trailer.
