film: Funny Games

[His Name Is Frank]

The re-make is exactly the same as the original but in English, it's for simpletons who can't read subtitles and watch a film at the same time.

Judging by this and your past posts, you take your cinematic adventures a little too seriously.8)8)8)

Who cares if someone would rather watch a remake with actors they know and a language they understand rather than some germans they've never seen before in their lives speaking gibber jabber?

Personally, subtitles don't bother me at all. Preferring an english-speaking remake over the original foreign version doesn't make someone a simpleton. I haven't seen the remake yet, but I'm sure I can identify better with Tim Roth and Naomi Watts moreso than Susanne Lothar and Ulrich Muhe. I will watch it soon and give you my simpleton opinion.

 

[TheSpade]

If you've seen the original then you've no need to watch the re-make.

 

[His Name Is Frank]

I agree that shot-for-shot remakes are very unnecessary, but I like the actors in this remake. I will see and judge for myself.

 

[chrisinabox]

i saw the re-make the other day, i actually liked the movie alot, its right up my alley, movie wise. also i'm a fan of michael pitt, especially in the movie "bully". haven't seen the original yet but this version was good, and i like the weird music at the beginning.

 

[TheDeceased]

The remote twist is possibly the worst moment in any film that I have ever seen, including pornographic films featuring midgets.

 

[TheSpade]

I think the remote control 'twist' is superb, it's unique, original and very exciting. Loved it.

 

[TheDeceased]

I cannot comprehend how you could possibly describe it as suberb, unique or original.

The basic principle of a character being able to control his reality with a remote control has been done countless times. I think the first time I saw it was in a Duck Tales comic book when I was a little kid. Since then it's been rehashed in such films as "Stay Tuned" and, more recently, "Click".

It has, however, never been used (that I'm aware of) in a similar context as 'Funny Games'... but there's a reason for that. It's not that nobody has thought of it or that it's a groundbreaking plot device.

The reason, as far as I can see it, that it hasn't been done - is because it's fucking stupid and from a screenwriting perspective, it's downright lazy. There are other (clever) ways in a script to express the same thing without resorting to gimmicky escape hatch methods like this.

I found the ending of the film to be one of the least satisfying conclusions to an otherwise decent flick that I have ever encountered. Especially the appallingly explanatory dialogue while they are sailing away.

It's a shame cause the film showed a lot of promise, albeit largely through recurringly shocking and degrading imagery.

But then again, I seem to be alone on this one once again - as pretty much everyone else thinks it's some sort of masterpiece.

The film reminded me a fair bit of parts of 'A Clockwork Orange'. However if Alex had picked up a remote and rewound part of the narrative, I wouldn't regard it as highly as I do. In fact, the film would've annoyed the fuck out of me like this one did.

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The scene in question was "very exciting", I'll give you that. But that doesn't make it genius.

 

[TheSpade]

I'd like to know why you think it's stupid and lazy?

I'd argue that it is the opposite, it's actually very clever.

 

[TheDeceased]

I think I've explained my opinion in far more detail than you have yours. In fact, you seem to just be repeating that you really liked it without even attempting to explain why.

I thought it was great. Really enjoyed it. Brilliant film.

I think the remote control 'twist' is superb, it's unique, original and very exciting. Loved it.

I'd argue that it is the opposite, it's actually very clever.

If you'd like a more detailed explanation from me as to why I thought it was a sub-par piece of writing, then could I ask that you explain why you think it's clever, superb, unique and original?

(I'm not being a smart-arse. I respect your opinions on various other films and you have proven on this forum that you're clearly capable of expressing said opinions in an articulate and interesting manner.)

 

[TheSpade]

I just this film because it was quirky, different (from anything I've ever seen before), fairly unique (I've never seen anyone grab the remote control in a film and rewind it so they can change the plot line after somethings gone wrong), a bit fucked up and just a really good and enjoyable watch.

I can't really think of much more to say, it just stood out as a really exciting and cool film for me. Was on the edge of my seat throughout.