Funny Games Redux

Anyone already familiar with Michael Haneke's 1997 film Funny Games was probably a little disheartened to learn he would be remaking that film for Hollywood this year. And then perhaps grew even more disheartened when they learned Naomi Watts would be playing the lead role of Anna, previously filled perfectly by Susanne Lothar. And perhaps grew disheartened further still upon learning that the 2007 Funny Games would be a (near) shot-for-shot remake. Even the recent trailer is a shot-for-shot take on the original. Why Haneke would do this is anyone's guess ($$$), but I am not looking forward to the results.

Haneke has chosen to do more than even a recreation of shot choices and camera placements. Every aspect seems to have been reconstructed for the 2007 version. The wardrobe, the backdrop, the decorative touches on the cabin walls, everything is painstakingly recreated from the template of that ten-year-old film.

Or I should say, every superficial aspect has been recreated. Without spoiling the film for those who have not seen it, there are several keys elements and shots I can not at all imagine making it into this Hollywood cover. But we shall see. If those elements do survive the copy, that raises an interesting question: how does one make a film deconstructing violence and spectacle when the system the film is made under demands MAXIMUM spectacle? Despite all its shoehorned in, faux-anarchist text, Fight Club's star power couldn't pull it off and I have my doubts about Naomi Watts being able to pull it off, either. I think I like Naomi Watts more than most. I have enjoyed watching her and defended her skill to others. But even I have to admit that she looks very much out of her depth in this one, and that is only through the moments revealed in the trailer.

However, I will give this film top marks for one thing: the poster is one of the most striking designs I have seen in a very long time.

Aaron.
whatsaninternet.blogspot.com

Posted on 12/11/07 by: Aaron 11:41 PM