‎Happiness (1998) directed by Todd Solondz • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd

Happiness

1998 Directed by Todd Solondz

Finding happiness can be a tragic comedy.

The lives of many individuals connected by the desire for happiness, often from sources usually considered dark or evil.

Jane Adams Jon Lovitz Philip Seymour Hoffman Dylan Baker Evan Silverberg Rufus Read Justin Elvin Lara Flynn Boyle Cynthia Stevenson Lila Glantzman-Leib Gerry Becker Louise Lasser Ben Gazzara Camryn Manheim Arthur J. Nascarella Molly Shannon Jared Harris Ann Harada

139 mins More details at IMDb TMDb Report this film

Popular reviews

Review by DirkH ★★★★★ 12

It's like unintentionally burping mid-conversation.

It's like having to go to the bathroom really badly while you're stuck in traffic.

It's like walking in on your parents while they're doing the nasty.

It's like misreading an invitation and mistakenly thinking you're going to a costume party.

It's like watching porn with your grandparents.

And I love every single second of it.
Review by Arielrocks5 ★★★★★ 23

There are a lot of movies that end up making you uncomfortable while watching them, be intentionally or unintentionally.

We have our own buttons that people love to push, but then there are sometimes where simply pushing them isn't enough. Some go furiously jab at them at a sporadic pace for over two hours until you finally break down and accept the harsh realities of it all.

With that being said, "Happiness" is the most uncomfortable movie I've ever seen in my god damn life. From the moment we're introduced to most our main characters' intentions and own goals in search for happiness, you end up letting out a awkward, really dry chuckle at the realization of what you're going…
Review by Silent J ★★★★★ 23

"I'm not laughing AT you. I'm laughing WITH you."
"But I'm not laughing."

Is it fucked up that I laughed my way through all of this?

Is it fucked up that I think the line "I'm champagne. YOU'RE shit!" is the greatest way to tell off your ex I've ever heard?

Is it fucked up that I thought that scene of the kid asking his dad "What does cum mean?" is the strangest and funniest thing I've seen in a movie?

Is it fucked up that I think the Russian Guy is one of the coolest motherfuckers put on screen?

And when Philip Seymour Hoffman came on the wall...I puked a little.
Seriously, don't eat while watching this. I'll never…
Review by Nathan Rabin ★★★★

So it turns out the title IS ironic.
Review by Eli Hayes ★★★★½ 7

Dylan Baker gives one of the most undervalued
performances of the 20th century in this marvel.
Review by Ryan Francis ★★★★½ 4

My first Todd Solondz film and I'm not sure when I'll be mentally prepared to venture into another one of his - although I'm still very intrigued to at some point. Happiness is one of the most uncomfortable, shocking (in the 'I-can't-believe-it-just-went-there' kind of way) and disconcerting drama/darkest-kinda-comedy-possible films I've seen in quite some time, if not ever. Holy shit.

And, once again, I am left amazed by another fantastic performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman. He was one of the absolute best around. May he rest in peace.

Recent reviews

Review by HotDonkeyBear ★★★★

Definitely not for everyone, Todd Solondz delivers an awkward, disgusting, pathetic, tragic and awfully dark comedy that I happen to appreciate for its wit and abrasiveness. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Dylan Baker and Jon Lovitz are exceptional but Jane Adams' Joy is just the icing on the cake. Full of quotes and scenes that become branded onto your brain, Happiness reminds me that no matter how bad life can get, at least I'm eating red meat.

We're covering a triple bill of films with HAPPINESS in the title on the November 15th episode of our podcast.

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Review by Frederick Parra ★★★

Película que presenta que el regocijarse y ser feliz con cosas que son moralmente transgresoras o prohibidas no necesariamente es malo.

Fue interesante, pero debo decir que me pareció aburrida por momentos.
Review by _al_ ★★★★

Hilarious and disturbing at the same time. It’s message is depressing but realistic as well and even though all of the characters are unlikeable, the story is still very engaging.

The script by Solondz is great.

The acting, especially by Bill, Joy, and Seymour-Hoffman’s character was amazing.
Review by Isador ★★★★½

fucking terrible. i love it.
Review by Drowrgh ★★★★★

Should I feel bad for laughing at most scenes?
Review by James Travis ★★★★½

This movie is for sickos. Watch it if you're a sicko like me
Review by Ben Challoner ★★★★

If you watch this the way it was intended then you will probably be awkwardly laughing for almost it's entirety. If you aren't lucky enough to watch it this way then you will probably be more horrified by this than any other film you've ever seen before.

It's a film about loneliness, about alienation, about isolation, but with so many taboos that you kind of can't believe what you're seeing!

Watch this with Solondz next film "Storytelling" and laugh to your twisted little heart's content!
Review by Michael Heimbaugh ★★★★

*Mr. Krabs voice* I’ve never felt such a strange combination of pity and indigestion
Review by Kadden Fox ★★★★½

Honestly, this movie is just a punch to the face by Solondz, it makes you so uncomfortable with the given scenarios - but with a subtle meaning that people have odd ways of achieving happiness. But God damn did this movie make me laugh and feel so fucking uncomfortable. I loved it.