About Funny Games (1997)

"Funny Games" is a chilling and provocative psychological horror film directed by Michael Haneke, that was first released in Austria in 1997. The movie follows the story of a family who arrives at their holiday home, only to be tormented by two young men. These tormentors force the family to participate in a series of sadistic games in order to survive.

Making / Production

Written and directed by Michael Haneke, "Funny Games" was produced by Veit Heiduschka. It was shot primarily in Austria, with cinematography by Jürges and sharp editing of Andreas Prochaska. The film led to an American remake in 2007, also directed by Haneke.

Actors

• Susanne Lothar played the role of Anna, a resilient mother who tries to protect her family while being pushed to her limits. Her performance was raw and deeply impactful.
• Ulrich Mühe portrayed the character of Georg, the father who battles to keep his family safe amidst their horrific ordeal. Mühe's portrayal was heart-wrenching and realistic.
• Arno Frisch and Frank Giering played Paul and Peter respectively. The two tormentors, they delivered a chilling performance as the psychopathic antagonists.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The director, Michael Haneke, created the American version of "Funny Games" ten years later as a shot-for-shot replica of the original film.
• "Funny Games" is considered a major example of Austrian New Wave cinema.
• Haneke has called the film a reaction against a certain American cinema and its vision of violence.

Awards

"Funny Games" won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival for its audacious and original treatment of on-screen violence.

Quotes

• "You're on their side, so who will you bet with?" - Paul
• "Don't you want some fiction, too? Reality's not enough for you?"- Peter

Music/Soundtrack

• The cinematic version of "Funny Games" has a minimalistic score, using silence to heighten the tension.
• It also uses opera music in key scenes, including an aria from Handel's opera "Rinaldo."