Review of Funny Games (1997) by Emalee A — 04 Nov 2008

This is the only movie in history that I once thought was great, but, upon watching again decided that I hated it. I still continue to give respect where respect is due, this is a unique film that is really extremely disturbing. With that said, however, my opinion of it has changed entirely after watching it again. This movie is predictable. I knew what was likely going to happen when I watched it the first time through and for some reason still liked it. The second time, I really became lost as to what I saw in it the first time.

MINOR SPOILER TIME:

The story itself is so strange that it works...the first time around apparently. Now, that I've delved into writing and storytelling a bit more, I find it almost disgusting when a character exists outside or the "rules" laid down for the majority of the characters in the movie. I like smart villains, that can bend to the rules without actually breaking them. Which one particular scene in this movie involving a death and instant resurrection totally throws out the window. Furthermore, I find it appalling that this character that has existed outside of the rules the entire movie, has no depth to them, and never budge when it comes to character development is able to walk away as the victor...WHAT DOES THE VIEWER GAIN FROM THAT? What is this story saying?! NOTHING! That's right. The villain was never even challenged, what kind of story is that where a character walks through the whole film unchallenged, unchanged, and doing nothing but having success throughout the entire movie? (...Usually one that stars a female action hero, see: Ultraviolet, Tomb Raider, etc. but I digress...) IT MAKES A CRAP STORY!

So don't let this film pull the wool over your eyes, it is creative in one single aspect. But that smidgen of creativity cost the story a great deal.