Funny Games

Sometimes I watch foreign movies just so I can tell people, "Yes, I was enjoying a German Film yesterday."...you know, just to sound pretentious! But, really, there are actually a lot of great movies out there, that are nearly undiscovered, because most people don't like to read subtitles! Well, let me tell you, sometimes, it's worth doing a little reading to see one of these great, under-appreciated movies. Such is the case with a little German movie, Funny Games.



When I started watching Funny Games, I got the feeling I had been here before. While it's a great psychological thriller, it really seems, on the surface, to be more of the same. Here's the story: A small family travels to their country home to visit some friends. When they discover that their neighbors have visitors, and that their neighbors are acting a bit strangely, they chalk it up to the visitors. Then, one of the strangers knocks on the door, ostensibly to borrow some eggs, that's when things get strange! Suddenly the house is taken over by two psychos who make a bet with the family, they bet that the family won't be alive by 9am the next morning! Now, this might sound like several movies that you've already seen, it's a little different. First, it's such a well made movie that I found myself on the edge of my easy chair through most of the movie, but then something really strange happens. The main evil character speaks directly to us, the audience! Now, this might seem inconsequential, but in the context of the movie, it makes you feel almost like an accomplice and after that initial breaking of the fourth wall, it's almost as if the unease on the screen move directly into your own living room!

Funny Games is at once disturbing and compelling, it's one of the best movies that I'd never seen before! Made in 1997, Funny Games should be available to rent nearly anywhere and it's worth the time! I'm giving Funny Games 4 out of 4 cigars because it's worth the price of the rental, plus a little! So, until next time, remember that if I ever invade your home, it's probably because I smelled something good cooking, just feed me and I usually go right to sleep, and remember that the best movies are bad movies!