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Todd Solondz’s loose, recast sequel to “Happiness” was, for me, one of the pleasant surprises of last autumn’s festival circuit — more focused and astringently funny than his last two features, it’s also about as humane a work as the now middle-aged enfant terrible is capable of conceiving. Fans of all actors in the formidable ensemble will be duly rewarded: Ciaran Hinds is my pick, but Allison Janney turns in the sharpest performance of her career.
This British trailer gives a reasonable idea of what to expect: the film is too mannered and sour to win many new converts, but Solondz acolytes should get in line. The UK release is next month; IFC is making Americans wait until the summer. My review from last year’s Venice fest here. Great poster after the cut.
14 responses so far
1 3-31-2010 at 2:15 am
Glenn said...
gah! can’t wait for this movie, although I’m guessing my only way to see it will be through a film festival here (or the eventual DVD release overseas).
2 3-31-2010 at 4:16 am
John H. Foote said...
I liked this film quite a lot when I saw it at TIFF last fall — great performances, strong writing, dark subject matter, but it works beautifully together — not a date movie, and clearly not for everyone, but a powerful film.
3 3-31-2010 at 6:44 am
Michael said...
I completely forgot about this movie! I can’t wait till it comes out now. Since it was only in festivals last year and didn’t get a domestic release until this year does that mean that it will technically be considered a 2010 film in terms of awards contention (not that it will necessarily get any nominatioins…)
4 3-31-2010 at 7:26 am
Matthew Starr said...
I saw this at the NYFF and thought it was basically horrible. I have not seen anything else from Solondz. I may give Happiness a look.
5 3-31-2010 at 8:13 am
Guy Lodge said...
Michael: Yes, it counts as a 2010 release. And no, the Academy won’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.
6 3-31-2010 at 10:36 am
Fitz said...
Well the prequel was one of the worst movies I’ve seen in my life. So I’ll give it a pass.
7 3-31-2010 at 10:40 am
Guy Lodge said...
Like I said, no new converts.
But if you haven’t seen many movies in your life worse than “Happiness,” I’d say you’re a very lucky man.
8 3-31-2010 at 11:00 am
McAllister said...
I have not seen many movies worse than “Happiness” in my life. None come to mind. Ugh… what a miserable experience that was to sit through.
9 3-31-2010 at 4:35 pm
BurmaShave said...
Well THE LAST SONG just dropped and I’m sure it’s much more your speed. Only moderate heartache and even that soothed with the power of song.
10 4-02-2010 at 1:30 pm
McAllister said...
Good one.
11 4-02-2010 at 8:57 pm
sosgemini said...
Oh how I love Palindromes and am haunted to this day by Sharon Wilkins’ Aviva. If Howard Stern were a sophisticate (eehh, who am I kidding) he would realize that Precious was/is not the beginning/end of great roles for non-skinny/non-white actresses.