Synopsis
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.
Happiness
1998 Directed by Todd Solondz
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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.
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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…
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"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… -
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Dylan Baker gives one of the most undervalued
performances of the 20th century in this marvel. -
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.
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Life is fucked up.
This movie is more than the sum of its parts. Some seriously terrible stuff happens here. Trigger warnings abound. Somehow, though, through the abundant fucked-up-edness of it all, it speaks to the human condition.
I'd like to temper the rating owing to how horrendous so much of the movie is, but I can't not give it five. The movie commands it.
"You think I'm shit? Well, you're wrong, 'cause I'm champagne, and you're shit. Until the day you die, you, not me, will always be shit."
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todd solondz knows how to write unforgettable characters and put them in unforgettable moments
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Not sure exactly why, but this movie popped into my head and I sort of spur of the moment decided to watch it a few nights ago. It was pretty much what I expected it to be. Disgustingly dark humor that often times felt too dark to be funny, even for me.
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