Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Funny Games
1997
****
Director: Michael Haneke
Cast: Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Mühe, Arno Frisch, Frank Giering

Michael Haneke is not a big fan of the Hollywood double standard which manipulates us to revile the bad guys and cheer the good guys for the same act of violence. In his overpowering drama two young men take a family hostage in their holiday home and play sick games with their lives. The film plays with our expectations, but refuses to give us what we hope. Get ready to squirm in your seat in discomfort, but don't look forward to a happy ending. Haneke remade the film in English in 2008.