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| Funny games poster |
'Funny Games' is a film that falls into the thriller/horror category, directed by Michael Haneke, the film has been remade shot for shot for American audiences under the same name. The American remake has been both criticised and applauded by critics. This can be explained by Haneke's goals as he aimed to create a film that sends a message about violence in media, particularly that shown in horror/slasher films.
1.(Breaks the 4th wall) One of the first moments that immediately stick out as odd in the film is when Paul, one of the film's antagonist turns to the screen as if he can see the audience, acknowledging their existence. An issue raised by this is that it immediately breaks the suspension of disbelief making the film difficult to perceive.
2.(Breaks rules of physics) Another moment that breaks suspension of disbelief is when Paul uses a remote control to reverse time. This does not fit the genre of the film and once again breaks the story. It also seems strange that this feature has been put in the film as the rules set in the world appear to copy those of reality.
3.(Irony) Paul comments "You shouldn't have done that Ann, you're not allowed to break the rules," which is ironic as Paul just before breached the rules of physics in order to win. This is reversed onto the protagonists who are unable to break the rules to their own benefit e.g. kill the antagonist. This can be taken as a statement on the true odds that are stacked up against the protagonists in slasher films. Not only this but peter, the other antagonist makes a number of comments on the traditional ways to draw suspense from cinema.
4.(Appropriation) As mentioned before the film was remade shot for shot for American audiences. The reason being was to appropriate the film for a specific culture. The original film, being Austrian, did not adequately portray its message through English subtitles.
5.(Frustrates audiences) Unlike a majority of films, 'Funny Games' does not aim to please the audience and instead refuses to give into tropes of its genre straying away from the conventional story lines. The protagonist does not succeed and the antagonist does not repent. Scenes of tension are drawn out testing the audience's patience.
Definitions
Normativity: A phenomenon in which certain actions or behaviors become the accepted norm and is considered the correct or morally correct one.
Binary opposition: A concept that consists of two complete opposites. Within this concept the two opposites that can be applied such as male and female are strictly the only choices.
Deconstruction: A way of thinking in terms of philosophy that focuses on the most basic language in which meanings are derived from. Deconstruction involves taking such concepts and making questions out of even the most simple of matters.
Différance: Coined by Jacques Derrida, this term is used with the concept of deconstruction. While not directly translatable to English it refers to the significance of the various number of meanings within a single one.
Reinscribe: To rewrite a meaning or text with the purpose of having a stronger form or context.
Cognitive dissonance: Where something can hold two or more meanings that are contradictory of each other.
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