Funny Games: Redefining the Psychopath
Funny Games, [Michael Haneke] initially starts as that of a typical home invasion. Two 'charming' boys visit the home of the Farber Family and insist on playing a series of psychological games, allowing the family to make a bet: whether they will be alive in the morning or dead. The first thing that jumps out as an individualistic approach to the typical 'thriller' genre is that of how the killers are portrayed. Gone are the days when killers skulk around dark alleys wearing the cliched balaclava, Funny Games appears to redefine the typical portrayal of a psychopath. The two killers are dressed in spotless white gear reminiscent of that of golf gear; everything to symbolise clean living and a privileged life. On top of the pristine costume the two wear white gloves, which act as a way of neutralising any identity that they have, in fact the film ends with the audience remaining unsure of any details on the pair's life including why they came or any motive. Haneke creates a completely new perspective as to how a killer should be defined. It is through such a portrayal that the pair appear more sinister, because they could be two boys any time, any where. In a way Funny Games redefines all social stigma associated with the profile of a psychopath and expresses the sheer normality to the facade of a potential killer.
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