 |
| The Laurent family in Happy End |
Austrian film director and screenwriter, Michael Haneke is the master of observing the human condition which has made him a favourite of Cannes with Amour and The White Ribbon. He continues his exploration of a disturbed personal world with the wealthy Laurent family living in Calais in the somewhat aptly titled Happy End.
The Laurents are a relatively wealthy family with three generations living under the one roof (although its a palatial compound with domestic servants to tend to their needs). Their construction company is in financial difficulties however and the chief executive designate in the youngest generation of the family feels he is unable to do the job. The thin veneer peels back in the story to reveal each character has his/her own personal difficulties with suicide, illicit affairs, online bullying being a cross section of the deep problems besetting the family.
Haneke revels in the intricacies of dialogue and the French way of life including strategically placed ironic humour - the grandfather's failing memory and repeated, unsuccessful attempts at suicide are more black humour than pathos. A strong cast with Isabelle Hubbert, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Mathieu Kassovitz underpin the film. This is masterful film-making by a consummate professional.
The Laurents are a relatively wealthy family with three generations living under the one roof (although its a palatial compound with domestic servants to tend to their needs). Their construction company is in financial difficulties however and the chief executive designate in the youngest generation of the family feels he is unable to do the job. The thin veneer peels back in the story to reveal each character has his/her own personal difficulties with suicide, illicit affairs, online bullying being a cross section of the deep problems besetting the family.
Haneke revels in the intricacies of dialogue and the French way of life including strategically placed ironic humour - the grandfather's failing memory and repeated, unsuccessful attempts at suicide are more black humour than pathos. A strong cast with Isabelle Hubbert, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Mathieu Kassovitz underpin the film. This is masterful film-making by a consummate professional.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are welcome but are subject to moderation.