The document discusses postmodern elements in the film Funny Games. It notes that the film is a shot-for-shot remake that questions the horror genre by breaking conventions. It features a very slow pace with violent scenes but no gore. The film continually breaks the fourth wall by having characters directly address the camera and audience. It also references other media like Tom and Jerry, Beavis and Butthead, and screamo music. The breaking of the fourth wall reminds the audience they are watching a film, calling into question what they are viewing for entertainment.

2. POSTMODERN ELEMENTS
1. • Shot for shot remake of Michael Haneke German
original made 10 years previously - Appealing to a
new/wider audience?
2. • Questions horror genre and breaks conventions
- ‘You shouldn’t forget the importance of
entertainment’
- ‘Plausible plot development’
- Mock elaborate/twisted past as a reason to
commit the crimes
- Violent but no gore
- Very slow pace

3. 3. • Continually breaking the four wall
- Smile directly at the camera
- ‘I mean what do you think? You think they stand a
chance? But your on their side aren't you? Who are you
betting on, hmm?’
- ‘I mean you want a real ending right, with plausible plot
development, don’t you?’
- The Remote Control scene
4. • Referencing other media
- Tom and Jerry – cat and mouse chase, games
- Beavus and Butthead – cartoon, immature
- Screamo music

4. THEORY
The breaking of the fourth wall
This continual direct interaction with the audience
reminds us that we are watching a film; that what
we are viewing isn’t real but has been creating to
entertain. This ‘entertain’ is continually
questioned in Funny Games.
Baudrillard’s Hyperreality
The lifestyle we see in Funny Games is a representation of
this. The family represent the ‘perfect’ American middle
class suburban family, but this lifestyle is a lie. We all know
it can’t exist and the media that presents this illusion
knows it too e.g. The Stepford Wives and Desperate
Housewives.
- this theory also brings the theory of Binary Opposites :
good vs. evil (Peter and Paul represent this on their
own), peace vs. chaos (The opening and the rest of the
film, Classic and Screamo music)