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Michael Haneke

Haneke directs further 'Funny Games'

The 'Hidden' helmer plans to remake his disturbing 1997 classic.

May 19 2006

Michael Haneke, whose 'Hidden' is without doubt one of the finest films to be released so far this year, has announced plans to make his English-language debut.

Yet while this should be reason to celebrate for a massive Haneke fan like myself, I can't help but be disappointed by the fact that the project the writer-director has chosen is a remake of his own 1997 classic 'Funny Games'.

This deeply disturbing film, which revolves around a middle class family being terrorised by two strangers, is a brilliant and shocking examination of violence, voyeurism and exploitation, and really has no need for the remake treatment.

Nevertheless, the action is to be transported to New York's Hamptons later this year, with Naomi Watts starring as a member of the family in fear.

Perhaps Haneke will take the story in new cruel and unusual directions, satirising modern American society's obsession with guns and violence, but if the US 'Funny Games' turns out to simply be a straight remake, I'd consider this a missed opportunity.

User comments on this story

Gary Indiana said...

Or perhaps you should all just wait until the film comes out and see it before mouthing off about it. Posted on Sep 28 2007 07:42

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err said...

The last comment was clearly written by someone who - at least at the time of posting - had no familiarity whatsoever with Haneke or his films. There are many other films in his filmography that received much higher acclaim, and he's hardly one to give a damn about funding as there's no shortage for his films. Posted on Feb 19 2007 00:55

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xd said...

or maybe its the obvious and he's selling out. why 'funny games'? because they told him, no money unless its a proven film, and just like a good little doggy, he said, 'yes' Posted on Aug 13 2006 05:55

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Jamison Faduulla said...

Maybe it's a remake so that he'll be able to test the waters with good source material. If it's a success, he can do another one from a new script. If it bombs, we'll know his style isn't compatible with US audiences. Posted on May 30 2006 18:53

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Richard Hare said...

Or perhaps he'll do what George Sluizer did with The Vanishing..! Posted on May 20 2006 18:28

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