Funny Games- A
Still haven't seen the original, but I found this one endlessly fascinating, and manipulative almost in a good way. The alienation devices were a nice surprise, and because they are deployed so rarely, they seemed more effective and forceful. At times I thought Haneke was playing games with me. You have to commend him for not pumping up the tension with cheapo scares and really pushing the tragedy to uncomfortable proportions. Brady Corbet was the revealation here. He's vulnerable and childish without being especially likable and sympathetic. I got the feeling he was devious as the more agressive Michael Pitt. Yet, he never gets too loopy or maniacal.
This is admittedly flawed and not for everybody, but those who know me by now know I love risky fiascos. I'm fine with flaws as long as they don't kill what's great or are at least attempting something profound. Perfection is boring! I like things a little scuffed up. Unlike Peter and Paul, I like jelly rolls on women.