Director - Michael Haneke
The film that put Haneke on the map. Two young men take a family hostage in their summer home. Really uncomfortable to watch despite the fact that almost none of the violence happens on screen. By far and away the best film to deal with one of Haneke’s major obsessions - the depiction of violence in films and how the audience reacts to it. Haneke doesn’t make bad films. Essential viewing.
Director - Michael Haneke
Nasty tale about the relationship between a young piano student and his sadomasochist piano teacher. Not one to watch with your mum. Isabelle Huppert gives the sort of performance that if this was an American film would have everyone clapping their hands and talking about golden statuettes. But it’s a European film and as such you expect the acting to up to this standard. As with all of Haneke’s films this should be seen. And then talked about. It's quite icky though.
Director - Michael Haneke
Haneke’s post apocalyptic (or should that just be apocalyptic?) film about how rapidly society breaks down when things go tits up. It starts off in much the same way as Haneke's earlier masterpiece Funny Games (1997), with a family arriving at their summer house only to find it already occupied. Isabelle Huppert carries the majority of the first half of the film, before falling into the background for the final half. Rape, murder and animal cruelty. You’ll need a shower afterwards. As always with Haneke this is essential viewing.
