Yes, Happiness humanizes horrible people who do horrible things… because even horrible people are humans. We don’t like to think about it, but it’s true. We’d prefer to think that they’re cold, inhuman monsters incapable of feeling, but they’re not, and that makes us uncomfortable. At no point does the movie try to imply that these bad things are good. It simply makes us face the fact that horrible people are more like us than we’d like to believe. The discomfort you felt watching it was intentional.
@@midlevelmediaI always liked this film. Great performances. It is without a doubt, HIGHLY DIVISIVE. Would suggest you check out Todd’s first film, Welcome to the Dollhouse. Would probably be more your speed.
It’s a controversial topic and you stated your opinion respectfully. It’s totally understandable why someone would feel disturbed by it. Especially as a father. Only thing is this an independent film and not at all Hollywood film. The distributor didn’t even want to release the film
I dug Happiness. It doesn't glorify pedophilia, just shines a light on it, and that's uncomfortable, but that's only a fraction of the film. And that fraction of the film is undeniably engrossing.
I respect that you and others enjoy it. For me though, if you want to tackle that sort of difficult, serious subject matter, you need to strike the right tone for your film. This is essentially a romantic comedy and tossing that in just doesn’t work for me. Makes it feel like you’re making light of a very serious topic.
@@hardcopyblus I agree that it is a dark comedy, and I think it can be confused for a romcom because the filmmaker, Solondz, said he was inspired by sitcoms, and you see that in the aesthetics, such as scene structure, music choices, etc. I personally found it very effective and hilarious, yet simultaneously deeply disturbing.
I ain’t no pro pedophilia but Happiness is a fantastic film! Buy it! Ken just don’t get it. Happiness is controversial. People finding happiness in their life is always controversial. That’s the point.
Just because I didn’t enjoy it, doesn’t mean I didn’t get it. Stop with that. It’s a tired argument for people that have a different opinion than your own.
@@midlevelmediamy concern is how close you seem to be towards saying films like Happiness should be banned. You seem to be implying that one must be a pedophile in order to enjoy it. I sincerely don’t understand your hate for the movie. It’s like it’s the 1990’s and you’re John Kasich in a Blockbuster video trying to get Fargo pulled from the shelf because it’s too controversial. lol I dunno. I love your channel tho. Keep up the good work.👍
I absolutely LOVED Happiness (incidentally so did both Siskel and Ebert). I saw it for the first time when it came out on VHS, then immediately watched it again. It's clearly not a film for everyone, so no knock against you for the thumbs down. But it's a must-see for those who can handle the humanizing of socially repellant characters. Great acting by an outstanding cast, and maybe the best final line of dialogue in movie history. If you want to remove it from your collection, I'll gladly take the disc off your hands. BTW, it's Griffin Dunne, pronounced Done rather than Dune.
I find that when a movie leaves with that disgusting feeling like with Kids or Nekromantik I immediately want nothing to do with it ever again. Then later on I definitely want it in my collection just because I'm fascinated by movies that can go so far. Happiness was definitely disturbing at times but a very interesting film.
Kids didn’t have that impact on me…probably because I saw it too young and by the time I was old enough to understand how dark the movie is, I was already desensitized. Now Bully (same director as Kids) left me wanting a shower. Both are fantastic movies.
I really enjoyed Happiness. I had to watch it for a film class back in the day, and I remember it being a punch to the gut on my first viewing. It makes you feel things, and that's what art should do, even if those things are bad. For me, it's about how happiness is supposed to be the end goal for all humans, but not all humans are created equal as far as intentions are concerned. In those cases, for those indiviuals with bad intentions, their happiness comes at the expense of others. It calls into question if happiness should always be our true end goal in life or if perhaps we should self sacrifice our own happiness in lieu of serving a greater good in society. Dylan Bakers character illustrated this point perfectly, in the most effectively evil way. He only served himself and his own happiness, and as a result, others were harmed. It's an extreme example, but effective none the less. It's also important to keep in mind that Happiness is meant to be a BLACK comedy, emphasis on the black. It. Is. Dark. A lot of people don't have the stomach for this sort of humor, but for those of us that do, Happiness nailed it.
Happiness is a masterpiece. I mean Dylan Baker's character exists, and it's basically showing that type of person. This movie is not gloryfing the things he is doing. It's extremely uncomfortable.
@@Starkardur Not glorifying, but it does attempt to humanize it in a way that did not set right with me. The scene with him and his son at the end was very hard to watch.
@@midlevelmedia Since you have issues with the content of this film, never (I mean never) buy a Criterion title called "Sweet Movie". You have been warned.
This was literally one of the most frequently requested CC films of the last 10 years, and the dvd went out of print ages ago. These kinds of disturbing, independent, cult films that are on the verge of being "lost" are EXACTLY the kinds of films Criterion (and other labels) should be focused on giving this kind of top-tier treatment to. For me, this and GUMMO were the only 2 "must-have" purchases of this B&N sale, and these types of releases need as much support as they can get.
@@fatphillmargera Loved “Gummo,” but couldn’t get into “Happiness.” Not saying it shouldn’t have been made or Criterion shouldn’t have done it. Just offering an opinion.
I was in the habit of buying a lot of movies I had interest in before watching, and that was a huge mistake. I always try to find the movie on streaming first to see if it's good enough to buy for the collection. Saves money on titles I'd rather put towards one I know I definitely will watch over and over vs one time watches that'll just collect dust.
Happiness is great. It’s very unique and should be appreciated even more now that it couldn’t be made in this namby pamby, pandering movie world we’re in these days
It's interesting that one of your alternates is Peeping Tom. The protagonist kills women with a camera tripod and films their reaction to their own murder. He later watches the film for his own sexual gratification. Good movies are made about bad/sick people. It was regarded as pure filth when it came out and basically ended Michael Powell's directing career. The final girl who survives Peeping Tom is eventually killed in Hitchcock's Frenzy a decade later. Coincidence or Hitchcock humor? Back to Happiness. I've seen it, but I don't own it (or plan to). I thought your review was more nuanced than I expected from the thumbnail.
“I don’t like it, so you shouldn’t like it either” Bro, try not discrediting the people who made this masterpiece. Express your frustrations with it, why you disliked it and let people figure it out for themselves. Telling people not to watch something so many people worked so damn hard to make, is just wrong. EVERYONE WATCH THIS FILM AND DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS.
@@midlevelmediait's not a masterpiece lol. I'm sure this dude loves Death In Venice and agrees with Tarantino that Roman Polanski's 14 year old victim was "down with it". Disgusting film humanizing the inhumane.
Your assessment of Happiness isn't completely wrong. It 100% isn't for everyone. Personally I love it. It's pushes boundaries. However, I have never once recommended it. And that's mostly because the friends in my life I know just couldn't handle the material. But I'm grateful it exists for its weirdness, its pervertedness, its shamelessness and I wish for more filmmakers to take chances like Todd Solondz.
@@midlevelmedia Fine. I hope you got it at Barnes and Noble 50% off sale. Fair warning. I wouldn't blind buy any Todd Solondz movies after Welcome to the Dollhouse. I know you said you like Gummo but have you seen KIDS (written by Harmony Korine)? I hear ya, I get it. Yeah the subjuect matter is terrible. I guess Im just tired of hearing reviews from people who blind buy movies. I'm like WHAT, THIS YOUR FIRST TIME SEENING THIS MOVIE?! There was a lot of shocking movie during this time. The 90s and 2000s were a different time.
I don't like Happiness, I love Happiness. Wonderful film that has had a place in my mind since the first time I watched it. I'll watch anything Todd Solondz ever makes off of the strength of that film. I wasn't aware there was a 4K. A must purchase.
Happiness is a movie that I feel once you have kids, you feel much different about the subject matter. You have to really think about that because as a parent this is a complete nightmare.
Happiness is extremely uncomfortable watch, but to be honest, it’s better than just passively gawping at something, which is what most mainstream entertainment is designed to make you do. Some of the stuff the characters do is sickening, but it forces you to confront something that happens in real life. When it comes to a film with a multi-stranded narrative, I prefer Magnolia, but Happiness is a solid piece of work.
I think Sound of Freedom is the best way to deal with this subject matter, without making a joke about it. I'm pretty sure if a movie humanized an everyday slave owner who g*apes his slaves and jokes about it wouldn't be defended.
The movie is shocking but I found it hilarious. I love that the movie pushes the boundaries on comedy. I had this on DVD for a long time, I think it was released in the early 2000s on DVD cause I think no one was game to re-release it but when it was announced by criterion that they were releasing it on 4K, I instantly preordered it. Definitely not a movie for everyone.
Happiness is a challenging memorable film. Movies shouldn't always be there to give us warm, comfy, secure fee-fees. Interesting, we're allowed to humanize serial killers but not P-word people.
@@johngoras73 Good point. I guess I’m just used to killing in film and not the pedo stuff. To be honest, I’d rather not get used to that, especially delivered in this sort of way, so I’ll attempt to steer clear from now on.
@@midlevelmedia I was once at a film festival, talking film, natch...and somehow I started talking DrugStore Cowboy. And the guy was like, "I avoid Drug Movies." And I was kind of triggered. I don't know what his personal experience was with the deletirious effects of drug abuse was, but I'd suspect that'd come into it. There's so many great Drug Movies...Trainspotting, Born to Win, The Man With the Golden Arm, Requiem For a Dream. Or people who say "I don't like War, therefor no War Movies for me." or personally I could say, I don't like Lawyers, therefor "No Legal Dramas for me." I can't do that though, because I'd cut myself off from so many great films. Everyone's got the perogative to make their own filters, to protect their own sanity, I'm just vigilant against that kind of screening process when it comes to what media I allow in. anyhow.... Practice your own Discretion. cheers.
You said you bought it when it was recommended to you. Did the person who rec'd it not tell you what it was about or did you not read the synopsis beforehand? Just wondering bc it's well known to be a tough, uncomfortable watch
When "Chilly Scenes" came out (originally released in a studio-cut version called "Head Over Heels") there hadn't been many movies about stalkers. If you're annoyed by the behavior of John Heard's character, that's good! You're supposed to be. It's no coincidence that Robinson, Metcalf and Dunne went on to do Scorsese's "After Hours" a few years later. The ambivalence (a stalker who's kind of understandable/likeable despite himself?) is the point -- and it's not a drama. It's a neurotic, anti-romantic comedy. "Happiness" was obviously not made for a 2024 audience, but everything you need to know about what the film is doing is contained in the title. It's about the extremes people will go to in order to convince themselves that they can achieve that elusive state, even if only for a moment. It's absurd and appalling -- and you absolutely don't have to like it -- but "Happiness," too, is fundamentally a perverse comedy. Solondz's other movies include "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Storytelling" -- both uncomfortable, disturbing experiences by design. I find "Gummo" a much more disgusting experience -- if only because it's filmed more like a documentary of actual depravity, without the aesthetic distance that allows you to look at it from a more cerebral angle. I just hope you didn't watch "Happiness" with the kids!
I appreciate you sharing your honest thoughts, Ken. Personally, I never felt Happiness humanized the depraved actions of the Dylan Baker character but I would argue the comedic undertone of the film might undermine it's message. Maybe that was the point, to make a film people would interpret in very different ways.
Ken, while I appreciate that "Happiness" isn't for you (trust me, I'm in no rush to rewatch it), I think it's intellectulally dishonest to lump this into the "Hollyweird" camp. You're intelligent enough to understand, if anything, this film is anti-establishment, outsider art. No major studio would ever have the balls to make a film like this. Btw, I do recommend "Welcome to the Dollhouse". It's a downer for sure, but worth watching at least once.
Wonder if this guy has seen chuck and buck by Mike white or in the company of men by Neil labute? Chilly scenes of winter leads to this era of dark complex comedies. Genre is a vehicle for capital not an expression of art.
Guys I’m not saying the movie shouldn’t exist. I just didn’t enjoy the way the subject matter was portrayed and I’m offering my opinion. That’s what my channel is for.
I saw Happiness back when it was originally released. I have to say I was disgusted with it also, and that is a very natural initial reaction. It would be kind of worrying if you were unaffected by it. It's certainly meant to be provocative. That said, it had grown on me significantly over the years. I'm glad Criterion has dusted it off for re-release. It's certainly worthy of being seen and discussed. Maybe give it some more thought and a rewatch once the shock has worn off. Thanks for your honest review.
I saw Happiness 2x by accident , i honestly can't remember a single solitary thing about it even now so I must have blocked it out of my mind for good reason
Or because it's just not as bad as this guy is crying about. It broaches some difficult subjects, is beautifully acted & also very funny at times. Snowflakes should definitely avoid it though.
This movie had an ancient non anamorphic dvd release that was out of print for a number of years and wasn’t ever available on any digital platforms. So one perk of criterion putting this out is folks who have no clue what they’re walking into experiencing it for the first time 😂
The first rule of HAPPINESS is ... we do not talk about HAPPINESS. It's one of those films you never forget. I appreciated the extreme level of discomfort and boldness to tell such a story. Is it sick? Absolutely. Just like the characters.
I think Happiness is an incredible movie, and I think Dylan Baker was pretty brave to take on that roll because it could've been a career killer. That being said I can see people not being into it and even disliking it. It's definitely not for everyone and that's ok.
Happiness is not a film for everyone it’s comes down to the sensibilities of the viewer. The performances are to be admired in it given the subject matter, it’s doesn’t leave you in a happy place, but it’s an accomplished piece of direction.
Happiness is a movie that’s only needed to be seen once by the vast majority of people, if at all. It’s a creepy movie that seems to appeal to a certain “type”. I say that as someone who saw the movie when it first came out. Not knowing what it was about at all. And I just bought the Criterion exclusively to maintain my complete run.
Happiness is one of the only movies I've had a REALLY hard time sitting through. The others being the cannibal films for animal cruelty, Salo & A Sweet Movie (It's worse than Happiness and in the Criterion collection as well). Also avoid Life During Wartime by the same director. It's an indirect sequel to Happiness (also in the Criterion collection).
Totally understandable if you felt the way that you do about Happiness. It is really a polarizing film that wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea the Dylan Baker character being the prime reason. But its interesting to note that the film has a sequel also in the CC, Life During Wartime which actually follows most of the characters life after some years from Happiness. I recommend that you maybe read about it if not to watch it. Cheers!
@@alabastersmidge4692 You really think EVERYONE should see it? Look I love the movie but come on dude. It's a great film, important even, but it's not something I would EVER show my mom.
i totally understand your reasoning for not liking this movie and the comments getting mad at you just make no sense. you praised much of the movie but basically it wasn’t for you which is totally fine!
Respect to you for being honest about the film happiness. Not enough reviewers tell how they really feel about a work. It's out here in the UK and doesn't interest me either.
How Ken felt about Happiness is exactly how I felt about Alex Garland's Men, so I totally get where he's coming from, and agree with the Hollyweird stigma. I'm also one of those guys who has a hard time moving on from heartbreaks, so Ken also touched a nerve when he said it annoys him, lol. All good, though. He's been lucky to be happily married for a long time. He's been spared a lot of pain as a result. It's gotten rough out here for single folks.
Hey, Ken. I skipped picking up Happiness during the sale when I read about some of the content. You confirmed I made the right choice 😀. I did order A Simple Plan Arrow 4K Limited Edition based on your earlier recommendation. Thanks and hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Happiness is definitely a bold statement. It is NOT for everyone. I was wondering if you would mention the final "shot." Welcome to the Dollhouse is much lighter. It is more of a black comedy. I wouldn't even know how to classify Happiness.
I haven't seen Happiness, but afrer hearing what it is about, now , I know I am not going to watch it. Thank you so much for your review Ken. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from a subscriber from Spain.
Ken, you or any want a last minute Criterion recommendation is to either go for Infernal Affairs Trilogy or Heroic Trio/Execution or both of those. You will not regret it in my view.
Happiness is a funny film but it’s not one that I would recommend to most people. The pdf character in particular is truly disturbing, especially for a comedy. He’s more suitable for a drama or Horror film.
Definitely agree with that. In a thriller or horror, that subject matter is more appropriate. It’s the context and the way the film presents it that bothers me.
Ken, I’m a dedicated follower, but the click bait thumbnails are not necessary. We will watch your videos regardless. The thumbnails such as “I’m disgusted,” and “I can’t do this anymore” are unnecessarily dramatic.
that’s the bad part. It works in helping to gain new clicks and views on videos, but I feel like he has a good enough channel to where he doesn’t need to do it.
@@midlevelmedia how do you explain the video where you said “you can’t do this anymore” when talking about buying movies? You said it gives you anxiety, which I’m not disputing, but you never said you were going to stop buying movies or had any solutions. I’m not looking to argue. I like your channel, but you know certain words and phrases are attention seeking and not necessary. “Clickbait is a form of content designed to gather clicks on the search engine result pages. With clickbait, companies attempt to generate traffic on their blogs or websites, often relying on sensationalist headlines to attract attention.”
@@tonyfarinella If that's the definition of clickbait then nearly everyone on UA-cam does some form of "clickbait" because anything other than a generic thumbnail could be accused of "sensationalism" and "attention-seeking"
17:26 Movies are meant to provoke reactions, the world would be a boring place if entertainment didn't play with your feelings or make you question yourself. It's okay to not like something. It's just a bold move to say it that way (and still buy it).
That's fine, Happiness isn't for everyone. And yes it IS uncomfortable, as it should be. Kinda like a war film...it should be uncomfortable or it's not being true to the subject matter (in my opinion). Ultimately we must decide what WE want to subject ourselves to while leaving open the possibility for others to have a different experiences and opinions...which I believe you do. I appreciate an honest review even if it differs from my perspective. Carry on!
I wouldn't compare the topic of war and what this film is tackling. You think children have the same power in those situations as an adult with a rifle?
@@themtgdude486 it's obviously not a direct comparison...there are many ways/reasons to feel uncomfortable when considering the human experience through cinema.
It is. I watched very recently myself. The point as far as I gathered is that it is highlighting members of our society that are often overlooked or that we avoid even trying to understand who they are because we don't want to take the time or are made uncomfortable by them. This ranges from people who simply have a hard time fitting in, to children learning about sex for the first time, to sex offenders. It humanizes each of these people (not necessarily empathizes) and endeavors to remind us that they are human too, with their own ambitions and longing for belonging and happiness, even if the means in which they achieve it is weird, disturbing, or completely morally appalling. And because of this it can be very hard to stomach some of the scenes. It seems to take a very objective view, simply showing us these people and letting us decide how we feel about them for ourselves, and when it comes to more sensitive topics I think often times people would rather simply demonize the people responsible. Because that is easy. It's scary to recognize that these are people like you and me who have simply chosen a very dark path for themselves. I don't think the film tries to justify their actions, but for a lot of viewers, the fact that these characters are given exposure at all is too much to handle. It's not one I think I will purchase myself, but if you enjoy films attempting to dissect the human condition I would recommend at least one watch, if you feel up to it.
I felt the same way about Happiness Ken. I just don't see why anyone would come away feeling like that was time well spent. 2 hours of watching characters try to hide various sicknesses but apparently if you can show how awkward it can be then someone might think it's funny? I will be very cautious approaching this director's work in the future.
Happiness is probably one of the very few movies that will never be remade. Blazing saddles has a better chance of being remade. Also it's probably the very few movies that people should know what they are getting into before they watch that movie
Happiness and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre both make you think you see way more than you actually do. When I first saw this, I was like "How did they not harm the kids in this thing?" but after watching it a few more times, I realized that it really shows nothing, and its all done with language. Also, its an ensemble movie that follows the stories of at least 10 people, so its not a pdf fest. It was a highly acclaimed movie (Roger Ebert gave it 4 out of 4 stars) that ended up on a ton of top 10 movies of the year lists (but snubbed at the oscars and golden globes *for obvious reasons* edit: golden globes nominated it for best screenplay, but it lost to Shakespeare In Love). I'm glad you appreciated the film for challenging you and conceding that its not a bad movie even though it disgusted you.
I’m glad you provided your honest opinion, but man oh man do I vehemently disagree. There is a lot wrong with Hollywood, but a film like Happiness is so far from that list. I try not to become emotionally invested in someone else’s opinion, but your level of judgment and moral righteousness really made my head hurt.
Pay no mind to Ken, folks. He ate too much turkey today. Happiness is a phenomenal film. It shows you that you never know who a person really is on a surface level and how easy it can be for people to blend into normal society without even the closest people to them having a clue of who they really are or the struggles they're dealing with.
@WhirlingMusic Well the film came before those predator catching videos you speak of, so therefore maybe it's the predator catcher videos you don't need when you've already had veil pulled back by Happiness. LOL
Because he cares more about hoarding than the actual films themselves. He admitted in the past he started collecting BluRays to fill the void after he stopped collecting something else.
you are speaking so much truth about "Happjness". (watched it once when it was initially released on home video and was bothered by the content but more so the creators and their idea to portray child molestation in a humurous manner..
Happiness is a thought provoking and interesting movie made by an auteur. Please give it a shot if you think you can sit through a bit of tough content in exchange for a great piece of storytelling.
I get being uncomfortable with Happiness. Not sure why you’re being called out so badly, Ken. I do think the film is a masterpiece but my interpretation of Dylan Baker’s character has always been that it’s gotta be the loneliest and most pathetic life to live that way and that most people like that probably don’t even want to live that way but they for some reason can’t help it. Probably a lot of self loathing and the film definitely doesn’t condone his actions. It’s disgusting for sure but a glimpse into the lives of characters you don’t see on film much is why the medium exists! Sorry you didn’t like it but I understand!
I like you and your site. I guess if you Wikipedia the film, I agree with Roger Elbert’s review. lol I think he was not a fan of “dead teenager movies” I think he would be utterly appalled by the terrifier films. I know he hated the Tim remake, if you can tell I was a fan of his. I guess everything is subjective. Me myself and I have zero use for any of the aforementioned films, but usually I agree with you and you’re spot on! Thank you
My friend and I went to the art house theatre many years ago to see what we thought was a different movie but by mistake we saw Happiness and we were like WTF is this movie!?😂 Scooby is a great character and the movie isn’t bad
I enjoy highly challenging movies from time to time, but I'm happy to draw a line on certain things. A Serbian Film is one that I will not watch, and now I can add Happiness to that list, so thank you for that. I have such a long list of movies that I DO want to watch that subjecting myself to something deeply disturbing has no real appeal.
@ Well Vader also dies, so the redemption doesn’t come without a cost. In Happiness however, the director had no interest in a redemption or showing the cost of Bill’s actions. Which is fine, that’s the movie that he made, but just pointing out that your example is not the same thing.
Yes, Happiness humanizes horrible people who do horrible things… because even horrible people are humans. We don’t like to think about it, but it’s true. We’d prefer to think that they’re cold, inhuman monsters incapable of feeling, but they’re not, and that makes us uncomfortable. At no point does the movie try to imply that these bad things are good. It simply makes us face the fact that horrible people are more like us than we’d like to believe. The discomfort you felt watching it was intentional.
@@poorangus8584 I realize it was intentional. Just not for me. I guess I realized my own personal limit for this sort of subject matter.
@@midlevelmediaI always liked this film. Great performances.
It is without a doubt, HIGHLY DIVISIVE.
Would suggest you check out Todd’s first film, Welcome to the Dollhouse. Would probably be more your speed.
It’s a controversial topic and you stated your opinion respectfully. It’s totally understandable why someone would feel disturbed by it. Especially as a father.
Only thing is this an independent film and not at all Hollywood film. The distributor didn’t even want to release the film
I dug Happiness. It doesn't glorify pedophilia, just shines a light on it, and that's uncomfortable, but that's only a fraction of the film. And that fraction of the film is undeniably engrossing.
I respect that you and others enjoy it. For me though, if you want to tackle that sort of difficult, serious subject matter, you need to strike the right tone for your film. This is essentially a romantic comedy and tossing that in just doesn’t work for me. Makes it feel like you’re making light of a very serious topic.
@midlevelmedia maybe that's where we have an impass. This does not feel like a rom-com to me. It felt inherently dark. All the storylines were dark.
@@hardcopyblus I agree that it is a dark comedy, and I think it can be confused for a romcom because the filmmaker, Solondz, said he was inspired by sitcoms, and you see that in the aesthetics, such as scene structure, music choices, etc. I personally found it very effective and hilarious, yet simultaneously deeply disturbing.
@@midlevelmedia in what way, shape, or form is Happiness a rom-com? Lmao
@@LancasterDoddDude didn't watch the movie.
Happiness is unironically a great film to watch when horrifically depressed cuz by the end you’re like “you know what? Things aren’t that bad”
I ain’t no pro pedophilia but Happiness is a fantastic film! Buy it! Ken just don’t get it. Happiness is controversial. People finding happiness in their life is always controversial. That’s the point.
Just because I didn’t enjoy it, doesn’t mean I didn’t get it. Stop with that. It’s a tired argument for people that have a different opinion than your own.
@@midlevelmediamy concern is how close you seem to be towards saying films like Happiness should be banned. You seem to be implying that one must be a pedophile in order to enjoy it. I sincerely don’t understand your hate for the movie. It’s like it’s the 1990’s and you’re John Kasich in a Blockbuster video trying to get Fargo pulled from the shelf because it’s too controversial. lol I dunno. I love your channel tho. Keep up the good work.👍
I absolutely LOVED Happiness (incidentally so did both Siskel and Ebert). I saw it for the first time when it came out on VHS, then immediately watched it again. It's clearly not a film for everyone, so no knock against you for the thumbs down. But it's a must-see for those who can handle the humanizing of socially repellant characters. Great acting by an outstanding cast, and maybe the best final line of dialogue in movie history. If you want to remove it from your collection, I'll gladly take the disc off your hands. BTW, it's Griffin Dunne, pronounced Done rather than Dune.
Happiness is a black comedy:-) you need really dark humour for it.
I find that when a movie leaves with that disgusting feeling like with Kids or Nekromantik I immediately want nothing to do with it ever again. Then later on I definitely want it in my collection just because I'm fascinated by movies that can go so far. Happiness was definitely disturbing at times but a very interesting film.
Kids didn’t have that impact on me…probably because I saw it too young and by the time I was old enough to understand how dark the movie is, I was already desensitized. Now Bully (same director as Kids) left me wanting a shower. Both are fantastic movies.
I really enjoyed Happiness. I had to watch it for a film class back in the day, and I remember it being a punch to the gut on my first viewing. It makes you feel things, and that's what art should do, even if those things are bad.
For me, it's about how happiness is supposed to be the end goal for all humans, but not all humans are created equal as far as intentions are concerned. In those cases, for those indiviuals with bad intentions, their happiness comes at the expense of others. It calls into question if happiness should always be our true end goal in life or if perhaps we should self sacrifice our own happiness in lieu of serving a greater good in society. Dylan Bakers character illustrated this point perfectly, in the most effectively evil way. He only served himself and his own happiness, and as a result, others were harmed. It's an extreme example, but effective none the less.
It's also important to keep in mind that Happiness is meant to be a BLACK comedy, emphasis on the black. It. Is. Dark. A lot of people don't have the stomach for this sort of humor, but for those of us that do, Happiness nailed it.
If your goal is happiness you’re a hedonist and a bad person. The goal is to live a righteous life
@reginaldforthright805 wanting to be happy doesn't make you a bad person...
@@reginaldforthright805whatever happened to 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?'
Happiness is a masterpiece. I mean Dylan Baker's character exists, and it's basically showing that type of person. This movie is not gloryfing the things he is doing. It's extremely uncomfortable.
@@Starkardur Not glorifying, but it does attempt to humanize it in a way that did not set right with me. The scene with him and his son at the end was very hard to watch.
@@midlevelmediaIt’s a movie Ken. And people like his character in this movie are real. I love ya buddy, but you gotta have thicker skin than that.
@@midlevelmedia It is hard to watch, I agree, and I do understand that people do have issues with this film.
@@midlevelmedia Since you have issues with the content of this film, never (I mean never) buy a Criterion title called "Sweet Movie". You have been warned.
@midlevelmedia but he is a human. People like him are human. What else would they be?
This was literally one of the most frequently requested CC films of the last 10 years, and the dvd went out of print ages ago. These kinds of disturbing, independent, cult films that are on the verge of being "lost" are EXACTLY the kinds of films Criterion (and other labels) should be focused on giving this kind of top-tier treatment to. For me, this and GUMMO were the only 2 "must-have" purchases of this B&N sale, and these types of releases need as much support as they can get.
@@fatphillmargera Loved “Gummo,” but couldn’t get into “Happiness.” Not saying it shouldn’t have been made or Criterion shouldn’t have done it. Just offering an opinion.
I was in the habit of buying a lot of movies I had interest in before watching, and that was a huge mistake. I always try to find the movie on streaming first to see if it's good enough to buy for the collection. Saves money on titles I'd rather put towards one I know I definitely will watch over and over vs one time watches that'll just collect dust.
Happiness is great. It’s very unique and should be appreciated even more now that it couldn’t be made in this namby pamby, pandering movie world we’re in these days
@@iio58 I’ll take the pamby stuff over the pedo stuff.
It's interesting that one of your alternates is Peeping Tom. The protagonist kills women with a camera tripod and films their reaction to their own murder. He later watches the film for his own sexual gratification. Good movies are made about bad/sick people. It was regarded as pure filth when it came out and basically ended Michael Powell's directing career. The final girl who survives Peeping Tom is eventually killed in Hitchcock's Frenzy a decade later. Coincidence or Hitchcock humor?
Back to Happiness. I've seen it, but I don't own it (or plan to). I thought your review was more nuanced than I expected from the thumbnail.
Why would you blind buy Criterion releases if you can’t handle transgressive themes?
It was recommended.
“I don’t like it, so you shouldn’t like it either”
Bro, try not discrediting the people who made this masterpiece.
Express your frustrations with it, why you disliked it and let people figure it out for themselves.
Telling people not to watch something so many people worked so damn hard to make, is just wrong.
EVERYONE WATCH THIS FILM AND DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS.
I literally said in the video for people to do their research before watching if they’re interested. I didn’t tell anyone not to like it. Calm down.
@@midlevelmediait's not a masterpiece lol. I'm sure this dude loves Death In Venice and agrees with Tarantino that Roman Polanski's 14 year old victim was "down with it". Disgusting film humanizing the inhumane.
@@notmytruthTHEtruthHAPPINESS is a classic.
@@alabastersmidge4692 yeah for pedo weirdos and incels
@@alabastersmidge4692 nasty statement 🤢
Happiness may be Jared Harris’ finest hour.
He's so funny; "Ok I go now."
Richie VAL-enz (don’t they mention Richie or his brother’s last name at least once in the entire movie?!). Griffin DUNN.
Happiness is a masterpiece dark comedy.
omg 😲....
Where was the comedy ? Where he wanted to bang the kid? Yes. So funny
Your assessment of Happiness isn't completely wrong. It 100% isn't for everyone. Personally I love it. It's pushes boundaries. However, I have never once recommended it. And that's mostly because the friends in my life I know just couldn't handle the material. But I'm grateful it exists for its weirdness, its pervertedness, its shamelessness and I wish for more filmmakers to take chances like Todd Solondz.
This is the reason why you don't blind buy any movie, just to showcase you have it. I'm just saying.
Didn’t just showcase. I watched it.
@@midlevelmedia Fine. I hope you got it at Barnes and Noble 50% off sale. Fair warning. I wouldn't blind buy any Todd Solondz movies after Welcome to the Dollhouse. I know you said you like Gummo but have you seen KIDS (written by Harmony Korine)? I hear ya, I get it. Yeah the subjuect matter is terrible. I guess Im just tired of hearing reviews from people who blind buy movies. I'm like WHAT, THIS YOUR FIRST TIME SEENING THIS MOVIE?! There was a lot of shocking movie during this time. The 90s and 2000s were a different time.
Pls don’t listen to Ken, Happiness is a great film. I’d recommend it
Yeah this video earned my unsubscribe.
Fantastic film.
It's a masterpiece, I'm waiting to hear what he says about it.
I’m just offering an opinion guys. I said in the video that I’m not for the censoring of the film or any film.
@@Cinema-skinDidn’t say anything about censoring the film.
I don't like Happiness, I love Happiness. Wonderful film that has had a place in my mind since the first time I watched it. I'll watch anything Todd Solondz ever makes off of the strength of that film. I wasn't aware there was a 4K. A must purchase.
Thank you for the honesty. Don’t let anyone pressure you into saying what they want you to say.
Never will. Thank you.
Happiness is a movie that I feel once you have kids, you feel much different about the subject matter. You have to really think about that because as a parent this is a complete nightmare.
Happiness is extremely uncomfortable watch, but to be honest, it’s better than just passively gawping at something, which is what most mainstream entertainment is designed to make you do. Some of the stuff the characters do is sickening, but it forces you to confront something that happens in real life. When it comes to a film with a multi-stranded narrative, I prefer Magnolia, but Happiness is a solid piece of work.
I guess
I think Sound of Freedom is the best way to deal with this subject matter, without making a joke about it. I'm pretty sure if a movie humanized an everyday slave owner who g*apes his slaves and jokes about it wouldn't be defended.
The movie is shocking but I found it hilarious. I love that the movie pushes the boundaries on comedy. I had this on DVD for a long time, I think it was released in the early 2000s on DVD cause I think no one was game to re-release it but when it was announced by criterion that they were releasing it on 4K, I instantly preordered it. Definitely not a movie for everyone.
Glad you enjoy it
Good to know the actual review is somehow worse than the thumbnail.
Ok
Happiness is a challenging memorable film. Movies shouldn't always be there to give us warm, comfy, secure fee-fees. Interesting, we're allowed to humanize serial killers but not P-word people.
@@johngoras73 Good point. I guess I’m just used to killing in film and not the pedo stuff. To be honest, I’d rather not get used to that, especially delivered in this sort of way, so I’ll attempt to steer clear from now on.
@@midlevelmedia I was once at a film festival, talking film, natch...and somehow I started talking DrugStore Cowboy. And the guy was like, "I avoid Drug Movies." And I was kind of triggered. I don't know what his personal experience was with the deletirious effects of drug abuse was, but I'd suspect that'd come into it. There's so many great Drug Movies...Trainspotting, Born to Win, The Man With the Golden Arm, Requiem For a Dream. Or people who say "I don't like War, therefor no War Movies for me." or personally I could say, I don't like Lawyers, therefor "No Legal Dramas for me." I can't do that though, because I'd cut myself off from so many great films. Everyone's got the perogative to make their own filters, to protect their own sanity, I'm just vigilant against that kind of screening process when it comes to what media I allow in. anyhow....
Practice your own Discretion. cheers.
You said you bought it when it was recommended to you. Did the person who rec'd it not tell you what it was about or did you not read the synopsis beforehand? Just wondering bc it's well known to be a tough, uncomfortable watch
Hi, Ken, just curious, what’s your favorite John Waters film?
Cry Baby. By a mile.
Great video. If you don’t want that Happiness 4K, I’ll take it off your hands; respectfully lol
When "Chilly Scenes" came out (originally released in a studio-cut version called "Head Over Heels") there hadn't been many movies about stalkers. If you're annoyed by the behavior of John Heard's character, that's good! You're supposed to be. It's no coincidence that Robinson, Metcalf and Dunne went on to do Scorsese's "After Hours" a few years later. The ambivalence (a stalker who's kind of understandable/likeable despite himself?) is the point -- and it's not a drama. It's a neurotic, anti-romantic comedy. "Happiness" was obviously not made for a 2024 audience, but everything you need to know about what the film is doing is contained in the title. It's about the extremes people will go to in order to convince themselves that they can achieve that elusive state, even if only for a moment. It's absurd and appalling -- and you absolutely don't have to like it -- but "Happiness," too, is fundamentally a perverse comedy. Solondz's other movies include "Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Storytelling" -- both uncomfortable, disturbing experiences by design. I find "Gummo" a much more disgusting experience -- if only because it's filmed more like a documentary of actual depravity, without the aesthetic distance that allows you to look at it from a more cerebral angle. I just hope you didn't watch "Happiness" with the kids!
I appreciate you sharing your honest thoughts, Ken. Personally, I never felt Happiness humanized the depraved actions of the Dylan Baker character but I would argue the comedic undertone of the film might undermine it's message. Maybe that was the point, to make a film people would interpret in very different ways.
Ken, while I appreciate that "Happiness" isn't for you (trust me, I'm in no rush to rewatch it), I think it's intellectulally dishonest to lump this into the "Hollyweird" camp. You're intelligent enough to understand, if anything, this film is anti-establishment, outsider art. No major studio would ever have the balls to make a film like this.
Btw, I do recommend "Welcome to the Dollhouse". It's a downer for sure, but worth watching at least once.
I didn’t necessarily say I feel that way, but it is why Hollywood has the “weird” stigma with the general audience.
Happiness is the darkest of dark comedies from someone who makes the darkest of dark comedies
Huge recommendation
also it’s an ironic title and it’s not a “hollywood” movie
also “peeping tom” when it came out got the exact same criticisms your giving “happiness”
Wonder if this guy has seen chuck and buck by Mike white or in the company of men by Neil labute? Chilly scenes of winter leads to this era of dark complex comedies. Genre is a vehicle for capital not an expression of art.
Guys I’m not saying the movie shouldn’t exist. I just didn’t enjoy the way the subject matter was portrayed and I’m offering my opinion. That’s what my channel is for.
@@midlevelmedia i know you’ve made this clear - and i’m not bashing you for having an opinion - just stating a counter opinion. not being hateful
I’d recommend Paper Moon, newly released by Criterion on 4k, during the current sale. One of my all time favorites.
I saw Happiness back when it was originally released. I have to say I was disgusted with it also, and that is a very natural initial reaction. It would be kind of worrying if you were unaffected by it. It's certainly meant to be provocative. That said, it had grown on me significantly over the years. I'm glad Criterion has dusted it off for re-release. It's certainly worthy of being seen and discussed. Maybe give it some more thought and a rewatch once the shock has worn off. Thanks for your honest review.
@@sayitwithhellhounds Thank you for your rational and thoughtful comment.
I saw Happiness 2x by accident , i honestly can't remember a single solitary thing about it even now so I must have blocked it out of my mind for good reason
Or because it's just not as bad as this guy is crying about. It broaches some difficult subjects, is beautifully acted & also very funny at times. Snowflakes should definitely avoid it though.
This movie had an ancient non anamorphic dvd release that was out of print for a number of years and wasn’t ever available on any digital platforms. So one perk of criterion putting this out is folks who have no clue what they’re walking into experiencing it for the first time 😂
Watched Happiness last night. Haven't laughed that hard in years. Great film.
@@thegrasshopperliesheavy Kind of gross, but glad you enjoyed it.
The first rule of HAPPINESS is ... we do not talk about HAPPINESS.
It's one of those films you never forget. I appreciated the extreme level of discomfort and boldness to tell such a story. Is it sick? Absolutely. Just like the characters.
I've lost friends over Happiness. So good, but very very polarizing.
I think Happiness is an incredible movie, and I think Dylan Baker was pretty brave to take on that roll because it could've been a career killer. That being said I can see people not being into it and even disliking it. It's definitely not for everyone and that's ok.
@@Dr.Dark78 Thank you for sensibly stating your opinion and understanding mine.
Happiness is not a film for everyone it’s comes down to the sensibilities of the viewer. The performances are to be admired in it given the subject matter, it’s doesn’t leave you in a happy place, but it’s an accomplished piece of direction.
Happiness is a masterclass in dark comedy. Definitely recommend it!
Happiness is a movie that’s only needed to be seen once by the vast majority of people, if at all. It’s a creepy movie that seems to appeal to a certain “type”. I say that as someone who saw the movie when it first came out. Not knowing what it was about at all. And I just bought the Criterion exclusively to maintain my complete run.
Happiness is one of the only movies I've had a REALLY hard time sitting through. The others being the cannibal films for animal cruelty, Salo & A Sweet Movie (It's worse than Happiness and in the Criterion collection as well). Also avoid Life During Wartime by the same director. It's an indirect sequel to Happiness (also in the Criterion collection).
I will avoid the other films you mentioned like The Plague. Lol
@@midlevelmedia Lol solid move. Happy Thanksgiving bro
Watch Welcome to the Dollhouse. It is way more tolerable and an excellent movie.
I'm going to watch Happiness even harder now
Go for it.
Buy Happiness. Fantastic film.
Totally understandable if you felt the way that you do about Happiness. It is really a polarizing film that wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea the Dylan Baker character being the prime reason. But its interesting to note that the film has a sequel also in the CC, Life During Wartime which actually follows most of the characters life after some years from Happiness. I recommend that you maybe read about it if not to watch it. Cheers!
Happiness fucking rocks, everyone should buy it.
Really? You’d recommend it to everyone you know.
I like the movie but nah, it’s not for most people.
I completely agree with you.
@@jakfan09 I completely disagree with you.
@@alabastersmidge4692 You really think EVERYONE should see it? Look I love the movie but come on dude. It's a great film, important even, but it's not something I would EVER show my mom.
You know what they say? Money can’t buy you HAPPINESS.
i totally understand your reasoning for not liking this movie and the comments getting mad at you just make no sense. you praised much of the movie but basically it wasn’t for you which is totally fine!
Respect to you for being honest about the film happiness.
Not enough reviewers tell how they really feel about a work.
It's out here in the UK and doesn't interest me either.
Regardless of how anyone feels about it, I always give my Raw unfiltered thoughts and reaction.
How Ken felt about Happiness is exactly how I felt about Alex Garland's Men, so I totally get where he's coming from, and agree with the Hollyweird stigma.
I'm also one of those guys who has a hard time moving on from heartbreaks, so Ken also touched a nerve when he said it annoys him, lol. All good, though. He's been lucky to be happily married for a long time. He's been spared a lot of pain as a result. It's gotten rough out here for single folks.
Hey, Ken. I skipped picking up Happiness during the sale when I read about some of the content. You confirmed I made the right choice 😀. I did order A Simple Plan Arrow 4K Limited Edition based on your earlier recommendation. Thanks and hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
Good call James. You’ll love A Simple Plan! It’s got Coen Brothers written all over it. Raimi did an exceptional job with that one.
Happiness is definitely a bold statement. It is NOT for everyone. I was wondering if you would mention the final "shot." Welcome to the Dollhouse is much lighter. It is more of a black comedy. I wouldn't even know how to classify Happiness.
I haven't seen Happiness, but afrer hearing what it is about, now , I know I am not going to watch it. Thank you so much for your review Ken. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from a subscriber from Spain.
Ken, you or any want a last minute Criterion recommendation is to either go for Infernal Affairs Trilogy or Heroic Trio/Execution or both of those. You will not regret it in my view.
Thanks!
Happiness is a funny film but it’s not one that I would recommend to most people. The pdf character in particular is truly disturbing, especially for a comedy. He’s more suitable for a drama or Horror film.
Definitely agree with that. In a thriller or horror, that subject matter is more appropriate. It’s the context and the way the film presents it that bothers me.
Ken, I’m a dedicated follower, but the click bait thumbnails are not necessary. We will watch your videos regardless. The thumbnails such as “I’m disgusted,” and “I can’t do this anymore” are unnecessarily dramatic.
I agree 100% with you but he probably gets more clicks with those headlines
that’s the bad part. It works in helping to gain new clicks and views on videos, but I feel like he has a good enough channel to where he doesn’t need to do it.
@@tonyfarinella Not clickbait. I deliver on the video premise and I truly was disgusted. Look up what actual clickbait means. It’s not this.
@@midlevelmedia how do you explain the video where you said “you can’t do this anymore” when talking about buying movies? You said it gives you anxiety, which I’m not disputing, but you never said you were going to stop buying movies or had any solutions.
I’m not looking to argue. I like your channel, but you know certain words and phrases are attention seeking and not necessary.
“Clickbait is a form of content designed to gather clicks on the search engine result pages. With clickbait, companies attempt to generate traffic on their blogs or websites, often relying on sensationalist headlines to attract attention.”
@@tonyfarinella If that's the definition of clickbait then nearly everyone on UA-cam does some form of "clickbait" because anything other than a generic thumbnail could be accused of "sensationalism" and "attention-seeking"
17:26 Movies are meant to provoke reactions, the world would be a boring place if entertainment didn't play with your feelings or make you question yourself. It's okay to not like something. It's just a bold move to say it that way (and still buy it).
Yup I agree.
I never saw it but I’m gonna pile on Ken …come on man why didn’t you like this 😂
Thanks Jim. Lol
I picked up Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce based on your prior recommendations.
Hope you enjoy them.
I saw Happiness in a small Independent theater when it came out , I felt super gross by the time it was over 🤢
I’m sorry. That sounds like the worst.
That's fine, Happiness isn't for everyone. And yes it IS uncomfortable, as it should be. Kinda like a war film...it should be uncomfortable or it's not being true to the subject matter (in my opinion).
Ultimately we must decide what WE want to subject ourselves to while leaving open the possibility for others to have a different experiences and opinions...which I believe you do.
I appreciate an honest review even if it differs from my perspective. Carry on!
I’m all for filmmakers making the art they need or want to make. I tried to make that clear in the video. I’m not for censoring at all.
I wouldn't compare the topic of war and what this film is tackling. You think children have the same power in those situations as an adult with a rifle?
@@midlevelmedia 💯
@@themtgdude486 it's obviously not a direct comparison...there are many ways/reasons to feel uncomfortable when considering the human experience through cinema.
@@994pt4 but he shouldn’t tell people not to buy the film.
How bout not buy 30% of movies u buy now 😂
Happy Thanksgiving, Ken!
Would you send me your copy of Happiness if I covered the shipping costs?
Granted I haven’t seen Happiness but it sounds like it was suppose to be uncomfortable. Maybe that was the point.
Idk I like media literacy.
It is. I watched very recently myself. The point as far as I gathered is that it is highlighting members of our society that are often overlooked or that we avoid even trying to understand who they are because we don't want to take the time or are made uncomfortable by them. This ranges from people who simply have a hard time fitting in, to children learning about sex for the first time, to sex offenders. It humanizes each of these people (not necessarily empathizes) and endeavors to remind us that they are human too, with their own ambitions and longing for belonging and happiness, even if the means in which they achieve it is weird, disturbing, or completely morally appalling. And because of this it can be very hard to stomach some of the scenes. It seems to take a very objective view, simply showing us these people and letting us decide how we feel about them for ourselves, and when it comes to more sensitive topics I think often times people would rather simply demonize the people responsible. Because that is easy. It's scary to recognize that these are people like you and me who have simply chosen a very dark path for themselves. I don't think the film tries to justify their actions, but for a lot of viewers, the fact that these characters are given exposure at all is too much to handle. It's not one I think I will purchase myself, but if you enjoy films attempting to dissect the human condition I would recommend at least one watch, if you feel up to it.
I felt the same way about Happiness Ken. I just don't see why anyone would come away feeling like that was time well spent. 2 hours of watching characters try to hide various sicknesses but apparently if you can show how awkward it can be then someone might think it's funny? I will be very cautious approaching this director's work in the future.
Happiness is probably one of the very few movies that will never be remade. Blazing saddles has a better chance of being remade. Also it's probably the very few movies that people should know what they are getting into before they watch that movie
Honestly the way things have progressed in Hollywood, I think Happiness has a better chance of getting the remake.
@@midlevelmediaHappiness was made independently of Hollywood and would never have been greenlit by a Hollywood studio.
Happiness and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre both make you think you see way more than you actually do.
When I first saw this, I was like "How did they not harm the kids in this thing?" but after watching it a few more times, I realized that it really shows nothing, and its all done with language.
Also, its an ensemble movie that follows the stories of at least 10 people, so its not a pdf fest.
It was a highly acclaimed movie (Roger Ebert gave it 4 out of 4 stars) that ended up on a ton of top 10 movies of the year lists (but snubbed at the oscars and golden globes *for obvious reasons* edit: golden globes nominated it for best screenplay, but it lost to Shakespeare In Love).
I'm glad you appreciated the film for challenging you and conceding that its not a bad movie even though it disgusted you.
I’m glad you provided your honest opinion, but man oh man do I vehemently disagree. There is a lot wrong with Hollywood, but a film like Happiness is so far from that list. I try not to become emotionally invested in someone else’s opinion, but your level of judgment and moral righteousness really made my head hurt.
I love that this is going semi-viral.
Pay no mind to Ken, folks. He ate too much turkey today. Happiness is a phenomenal film. It shows you that you never know who a person really is on a surface level and how easy it can be for people to blend into normal society without even the closest people to them having a clue of who they really are or the struggles they're dealing with.
I think I knew that about people before the film.
You can find that same message by watching predator catching videos. Don't need a POS pro - pedo movie to tell you that
@WhirlingMusic Well the film came before those predator catching videos you speak of, so therefore maybe it's the predator catcher videos you don't need when you've already had veil pulled back by Happiness. LOL
Dude, The Red Shoes is phenomenal. Watch it pronto.
Thank you for letting me know about happiness. I will not be seeing it.
Good call.
@@midlevelmediaI completely disagree with you.
I cant believe you don't sell anything in your collection. I wouldn't want junk taking up a portion of my extremely limited display space
Because he cares more about hoarding than the actual films themselves. He admitted in the past he started collecting BluRays to fill the void after he stopped collecting something else.
Counterpoint: grow up. What a childish, facile understanding of art.
you are speaking so much truth about "Happjness". (watched it once when it was initially released on home video and was bothered by the content but more so the creators and their idea to portray child molestation in a humurous manner..
The film has humor, but the molestation was not portrayed in a humorous manner.
Happiness is a thought provoking and interesting movie made by an auteur. Please give it a shot if you think you can sit through a bit of tough content in exchange for a great piece of storytelling.
Happiness is better than anything else suggested in this video.
Glad you enjoy it
😂 great taste in film sir
Good for you!!!!! You have a conscience and morals. I remember when it came out in theatres and even in the 90s it was controversial.
I get being uncomfortable with Happiness. Not sure why you’re being called out so badly, Ken. I do think the film is a masterpiece but my interpretation of Dylan Baker’s character has always been that it’s gotta be the loneliest and most pathetic life to live that way and that most people like that probably don’t even want to live that way but they for some reason can’t help it. Probably a lot of self loathing and the film definitely doesn’t condone his actions. It’s disgusting for sure but a glimpse into the lives of characters you don’t see on film much is why the medium exists! Sorry you didn’t like it but I understand!
I appreciate you understanding my opinion and your thoughts on the film. Just wasn’t for me.
I like you and your site. I guess if you Wikipedia the film, I agree with Roger Elbert’s review. lol I think he was not a fan of “dead teenager movies” I think he would be utterly appalled by the terrifier films. I know he hated the Tim remake, if you can tell I was a fan of his. I guess everything is subjective. Me myself and I have zero use for any of the aforementioned films, but usually I agree with you and you’re spot on! Thank you
@@chriswest7095 Thank you for your honest opinion and respectful comment. Not a lot of those on this video. lol
You’ll be satisfied w Dogfight. Funny because I acted out a scene from Happiness in college, lol. Never saw the film.
Happiness is to happy for ken! 😆 lol
My friend and I went to the art house theatre many years ago to see what we thought was a different movie but by mistake we saw Happiness and we were like WTF is this movie!?😂
Scooby is a great character and the movie isn’t bad
I enjoy highly challenging movies from time to time, but I'm happy to draw a line on certain things. A Serbian Film is one that I will not watch, and now I can add Happiness to that list, so thank you for that. I have such a long list of movies that I DO want to watch that subjecting myself to something deeply disturbing has no real appeal.
Happiness is a masterpiece, a very brave film. It could hardly be done today.
True. And what a great movie. And sad to. And the story is amazing
Ken, I just garnered a whole new level of respect for you. I pretty much hated Happiness as well. Not a film for me at all.
Happiness and Salo should be Criterions no one blind buys. Or maybe even buys at all.
Funny how Happiness is too much, but I bet there’s like 40 movies in the background where we humanize killers.
Depiction is not endorsement!
Just my thoughts. It rubbed me the wrong way. Don’t know what to tell you? 🤷♂️
@ but movies about literal killers we root for doesn’t.
@ All in the way it’s presented in the film. Context is everything. But again, just my opinion.
@ so you feel the same about Return of the Jedi when Vader gets redeemed by saving Luke and we just sorta ignore the genocide he committed?
@ Well Vader also dies, so the redemption doesn’t come without a cost. In Happiness however, the director had no interest in a redemption or showing the cost of Bill’s actions. Which is fine, that’s the movie that he made, but just pointing out that your example is not the same thing.
I LOOOOVE Happiness!
But I think you may have to be a certain segment of Gen X to appreciate the humor.
Don't think I'll be watching Happiness again either, as much as I love dark comedies.
I liked Happiness back then. Not sure, how I'll feel about it now.
Welcome to the dollhouse is really good happiness is garbage it's a dumb persons idea of art it tries to be shocking and outrageous
I have a DVD of Dollhouse. I’ll check it out eventually
Agreed. Welcome to the dollhouse is actually a really good coming of age film. Nothing like happiness which is a major plus