Basically everybody that I know hates these movies. Not only have they seen the American version with stunning Naomi Watts, but also the Austrian version with less-than-stellar Susanne Lothar as the lead female. Now, if you are not already aware, this movie is about two well dressed, well spoken young men who basically kidnap a family on summer vacation in their own home. They play a series of "games" with the family, including the bet that the family will not be alive 12 hours later. Sick and sadistic as this may seem, why is it one of my favorite movies?
I will start by saying that I am a big fan of horror movies (in fact, am even taking a class focusing on them). This one, however, is the only film that I am able to think of that pits you, the audience, as the guiding force for the horrible things these lads do. The two young men, Paul and Peter, are able to wink at the camera, including the viewer in on their little schemes, rewind because the mother decides to cheat, and ultimately include the viewer in their deeds. The question that these films provoke is: Why am I watching such horrible acts for no reason at all? The answer: Because you ARE watching it. The films point out peoples' fascination with seeing other people fall victim to terrible circumstances. The only way to make it end: turn it off. This is a bit much to ask for from an audience, being that the sole purpose of watching a film is to see what happens, but I guarantee that if you turn this film off, you will not see more people die (it even gives you a prime-time to do so, with a 12 or so minute long sequence with no cut...awkward). If you haven't seen either of these films, I recommend it mostly because you more than likely have NEVER seen anything like them. It will make you furious at the inept family with no will to save themselves, and will toy with you constantly. But, the beauty of this is, it's completely intentional.
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