Happiness (1998)

A Must See

This movie reminds me as a dark comedy for personality disorders. Philip Seymor Hoffman does a fantastic job playing his rolse, as does Jon Lovitz, and the rest of the cast. Definitely a Must See! September 28, 2008

Adequate DVD edition of the most touching comedy ever filmed

Jared Harris' performance of "You Light Up My Life" serenades the main menu of this DVD. The fake cheeseball Russian accent and guitar strumming are sure to put a tingle in your tummy and warm you up for all of the sheer joy to be cherished in this film.

This disc's special features are sparse and typical of those found in early DVDs, but on the whole, they're competently implemented. Filmographies and brief career profiles of Jane Adams, Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jon Lovitz and Todd Solondz are included. I can't understand why Lovitz was chosen for inclusion among these listings over Ben Gazzara, whose career and role in the film are much more significant. As usual, English, French and Spanish subtitles and a comprehensive scene selection menu are included.

The home video trailer on this disc is quite upbeat, and by downplaying the severity of this film's depravity, it's almost misleading. Really, I can't imagine how a comedy of such perversity could be accurately and successfully advertised.

Oddly, the disc is double-sided, with identical content (the aspect ratio doesn't differ) on both sides. I would have liked to see some nice artwork on it, but I suppose that this is a potentially useful feature if one side is accidentally scratched. September 26, 2008

Todd Solondz Does It Again

Todd Solondz follows up his brillaint Welcome To The Dollhouse with another great film in the form of Happiness. The dialouge delivered in the film is unique and somewhat racy but that's what makes the film intiurging. Dylan Baker plays one of the sickest charcter to emegre on the screen and Phlip Baker Hall delivers some funny lines as a sexually frustaed man. Not for all tastes but still a good movie September 14, 2008

This movie is not in Anamorphic widescreen!!

This is a great movie, but beware this DVD is not in anamorphic wide screen format -- it is letter boxed and looks really really crappy on a wide screen TV. What gives! I really hope the film gets re-released. May 6, 2008

He tricked you

Mr. Solondz is actually not a very original storyteller or comedic craftsman. I remember when I saw this movie I wasn't shocked or offended. I was bored. If jokes depend on the fact that they're offensive, that probably means the overall foundation is pretty shaky. I was amazed to see how big of an impact this film made on most people. It just proves that most people haven't considered all sides of things and when something taboo is presented in a comedic form many people are quick to call it "brilliant". If anything, I wasn't so much offended by the film as I was by the people whose outlook on humanity was exposed to be wishy-washy and corrupt by their reaction to the film. But then again, I think that was part of Mr. Solondz's agenda. He has contempt for the audience, and he wants them to BE guilty, not FEEL guilty. He wants to prove through the intended audience reaction that humanity is corrupt and that we turn our backs on our fellow man at the drop of a hat. As for me, I was just sickened by the fact that a rare opportunity to tell a harrowing story was wasted on predictable attempts at humor and manipulation. It felt very hollow. April 4, 2008

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