Funny Games (1997) - Walkden Entertainment

Family Arrives at Holiday Home

Georg (Ulrich Mühe), his wife Anna (Susanne Lothar), and their only son Georgie (Stefan Clapczynski), are driving to their relaxing holiday home in Austria. While on the road, they pass the time by playing various car games, including trivia, and listening to music. Upon arrival, they spot their next-door neighbour from a distance, as well as a pair of unfamiliar men to whom they pay little attention.

Settling In and First Visitor

After beginning to settle in and unpack, Georg and Georgie head to the lake to check their boat and make a few preparations to take it out later in the day. Meanwhile, Anna is at the house on her own, preparing a meal. Soon, she receives a visitor- an unfamiliar man named Peter (Frank Giering) who claims to be visiting Georg and Anna’s neighbours and asks if she has any spare eggs. While making small talk, Peter begins to behave suspiciously, first accidentally smashing the eggs Anna gives him, then knocking her phone into a sink full of water. Although frustrated and annoyed, Anna still finds herself facing a stranger in her home, once again asking for two eggs.

Second Visitor and Hostage Situation

Soon after, another man named Paul (Arno Frisch) also arrives at Anna’s doorstep. Growing increasingly uncomfortable, Anna begins to question the pair’s motives and demands that they leave the property, but they refuse and act playful. Shortly after, Georg and Georgie return home to find Anna visibly angry and frustrated at Peter and Paul’s refusal to leave and their behaviour. When Georg attempts to remove them forcibly, the idea backfires, and Paul strikes Georg with a golf club, breaking his leg. The family now finds themselves held hostage for reasons unknown and are forced to participate in a series of games, whether they like it or not.

About the Film and Director

Funny Games is a psychological thriller filled with drama and tragedy, and depending on the viewer, it could also be considered a horror film. The film is directed by Michael Haneke, whose other notable works include Benny’s Video (1992), The Piano Teacher (2001), Amour (2012), The White Ribbon (2009), and The Seventh Continent (1989), among others. Haneke also wrote Funny Games.

Unpredictable and Tense Storytelling

Funny enough, with a title like Funny Games, this entire film is far from being funny at all. Funny Games is a slow-burning, tense experience filled with plenty of unpredictability and moments that will truly shock you. Michael Haneke has directed the shots in this perfectly, making it very clear that Funny Games is not your typical film. Instead, anything can happen to and with this loving family being held hostage and forced to play games. There are no limits, and nothing can prepare you for what’s to come. Upon my first watch, I was continually taken by surprise by the direction the film goes, and the film most certainly left me in deep thought. By the time the credits rolled, I was left feeling heavy-hearted and quite speechless.

Sharp Writing and Compelling Performances

Thanks to sharp writing, the dialogue flows well throughout and often feels fast and natural. One element I particularly enjoyed is how one of the strangers, Paul, breaks the fourth wall at various points in the film, speaking directly to the audience as if they too are being held hostage and forced to witness everything unfolding. The performances are fantastic, and given the themes and chain of events that take place, everything feels compelling, hard-hitting, and realistic. Standout praise goes to Arno Frisch as Paul and Susanne Lothar as Anna.

Overall Impression of Funny Games

Overall, with a title like Funny Games, you might expect a quirky comedy; however, it is quite the opposite. This is a complex and challenging watch, and nothing can truly prepare you for the experience crafted by masterful director and writer Michael Haneke. Funny Games is not a typical story with predictable outcomes, and from the very beginning, it makes it clear that anything can happen and there are no limits. The film is unpredictable, uncomfortable, and heavy, with many moments that are flat-out shocking and jaw-dropping. It is not just a complicated watch; it is an unforgettable film experience that, depending on the viewer, could easily be seen as a horror film.

Funny Games (1997) is now available on Blu-ray thanks to Umbrella!