Screened at Museum of The Moving Image on 35mm, 3pm showtime. Movie Theater Snacks: nothing, because the Moving Image doesn’t allow snacks in their theater. I respect it.
Directed by Todd Solondz, Happiness is a dark comedy film that follows a family and all the people they interact with in their lives, and then follows those people and who they interact with, and then follows them… and how each individual is searching for happiness. It touches on nearly every social topic you can think of, and does so with controversial grace. The film is two and half hours, and never feels slow or overcrowded.
There are 21 named characters in the movie. A beautiful housewife with the perfect home and perfect family. A lonely perverted office worker with a drinking problem. A famous novelist who feels fake on the outside. A well-to-do therapist who is a secret pedophile. An old couple who doesn’t love each other anymore. Their lonely daughter who just wants to fall in love. A young, pubescent boy who wants to orgasm. Even with all these characters in the film, you have a genuine interest in every single person and cannot wait to get back to their story. It’s never dull, never boring, and completely captivating.
The film touches on some extremely dark and controversial topics, but does so with extreme respect. I mean, there is no respectful way to discuss pedophilia. Just by having a character in the film with these desires and treating him like a human is already going to bring some controversy. The film talks about pedophilia, rape, murder, and mass shootings (which is far more difficult to stomach 20 years later). The film does not use these themes to shock or cause distress, but instead uses them in the story to make a point and bring about change. The least suspecting people are the ones who may have these negative qualities. Sometimes it’s better to talk about things than it is to ignore them.
Todd Solondz direction is subtle and simple. It’s never showy, and because of that, it allows the audience to focus in on the story. No fancy camera moves or quick edits to influence your thoughts. Just the characters and their decisions. And that alone makes it a beautiful movie to see. It’s also a time capsule of mid-90’s New Jersey, which offers some great laughs.
Speaking of laughs; despite the films dark nature, it is absolutely hilarious. If you’re not laughing at a genuinely funny moment, you’re probably laughing with nerves during it’s awkward moments. It balances perfectly on a fine tight-rope between trashy and respectful, and each moment that is meant to be funny, will definitely put a smile on your face.
Happiness is a masterpiece of storytelling. A simple movie that can be picked apart and analyzed, teaching dozens of lessons to those struggling with the day-to-day grind. Not only the best of Todd Solondz entire filmography, but one of the best films of the 90’s.
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