Funny Games (1997)

Michael Haneke’s assembles a fine cast from his previous films for his provocative home invasion horror.

It’s summer and the Schobers are heading to their lakefront holiday home. When two young men visit to borrow some eggs, Anna (Susanne Lothar) is happy to oblige – after all, it is the neighbourly thing to do.

Within moments the men have outstayed their welcome and a short visit quickly escalates into a series of games – each one threatening, twisted and increasingly sadistic.

Curator’s Notes

The same year that The Castle premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, Michael Haneke followed up swiftly with his most provocative film to date. Funny Games premiered at Cannes that May – and provoke the audience it did. The film divided audiences with reports of some audience members walking out.

Susanne Lothar and Ulriche Mühe (The Lives of Others) who both starred together in The Castle reunite in the film alongside a now grown-up Arno Frisch who starred in the title role of Haneke’s 1992 film Benny’s Video.

- Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)