What
is happiness anyway?
Happiness"
is brilliantly written and directed by Todd Solondz and features outstanding performances by
Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Joy Jordan, Jon Lovitz,
Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle and others
including Camryn Manheim, Molly Shannon and Ben
Gazzara. "Happiness" is an intense film, with
one of the most honest and powerful looks at
pedophilia that I have seen captured on film. It
goes deep within the subject without judgement,
and in so doing allows a greater degree of
examination and insight. Due to the mature
themes contained within and graphic content,
this film had been rated NC-17 by the MPAA. The
studio chose to release the film unrated,
however, individuals sensitive to mature themes
and adult subject matter will most likely not
appreciate this film. Additionally, I must
mention it should NOT be viewed by children.
There is an honesty in this film that is
incredibly rare in filmmaking today. I
specifically recall a scene between a father
(pedophile) and his young soon with questions
regarding molestation...the father answers
honestly and openly despite the obvious personal
implications. It's an incredibly powerful and
effective scene. This is a challenging yet
rewarding film and I highly recommend it.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
This film
hasn't held up to well for me in repeat
viewings... it was the shock of it all that
really got to me. However, it is written
with a sharp with and an orgasmic penchant for
skewing political correctness. I think it
is a brilliant example of suburban American
disillusionment.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
