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movies/happiness.html
Happiness (1997)
Todd Solondz
Before I begin this review, let me preface it by saying I have since been
instructed that Happiness was not as bad as I had originally thought and
that my feeling sick must have been for some other reason, and not
because of this film. I have been made to understand that the movie was
actually very thoughtful and may have even won an award at a very
prominent film festival, or something.
Happiness is a multi-plot story about several degenerates with few
redeeming traits. (Note: I have since learned that redeeming traits are an
unnecessary plot convention employed mainly by bad American film
directors.) Is this bold and frank portrayal of normally un-portrayed
subject matter like pedophilia and male ejaculation? Or is this shock for
shock’s sake? (Note: I have since learned that it was the former.)
Although the film does broaden your awareness of these issues, this is not
why I go to the movies. (Note: This should, in fact, be why I go to the
movies.)
Moreover, I question the accuracy of these portrayals. My experience as a
dysfunctional individual has been nothing like this movie. In fact, I would
rather sit through the entire English Patient than watch fifteen minutes of
this movie. At least The English Patient had beautiful computer-generated
scenery and land mines. In fact, I would even watch half an hour of
college sexual harassment prevention videos instead of this movie. (Note:
There is nothing funny about college.) The funniest thing I remember
about this movie is when that Russian woman comes in and says, “You
teach Vlad?” and then slaps that brunette in the face. That was great. No,
but seriously, this is an effectful film, I just don’t want Todd Solondz to
make any more of them.
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