Not a happy film. Not a happy film at all...

Happiness was referred to me by two friends with considerably different tastes so I decided to look into it. Once I found out it was from the same director as Welcome to the Dollhouse (Todd Solondz), I decided to give it a shot.

This is probably the most awkward film I've seen in a long time. You have essentially too kinds of characters in this film. Those who are socially inept with lives in near constant states of failure, humiliation or just general unfulfillment... and those who seem to be in the swing of things. Those who are in the swing of things all seem to get off on pitying the less fortunate characters.

Basically everyone's pathetic on some level. Also, one of them is a pedophile (Dylan Baker). Another one makes sex calls to random strangers he finds in his phone book (Phillip Seymour Hoffman).

The interactions between the characters make for all sorts of awkwardness as everyone brings some unique form of mal-adaptedness to the table. Throw in some rape and some masturbation and things gets really weird.

There's a message in here somewhere. All the more awkward characters seem to have a sense of perseverance and stoicism, even with barely any support from their loved ones or anyone else for that matter. The more successful characters seem to be less secure about their happiness. Yet somehow all the characters seem to reach the same conclusion (in their own way) and are, in a sense, equalized at the end.

Did I mention this is a comedy? Yeah, it's supposed to be funny. Is it?

...actually, yeah, it is. I think most of it comes from how uncomfortable everything is. You almost have to laugh just to lessen the tension. But the situations are so seriously whacked, you can't help but find the humor in it. That's all you need really. The characters play it straight, for the most part, so it's all very dry and deadpan but it works.

The ending made me laugh out loud. I was watching by myself too. I didn't think the film could possibly end with me laughing. Like the characters, it seemed destined to end badly. But I did laugh and after I was done laughing about what actually happened, I laughed at how surprised I was that I had such a reaction in the end.

I don't know. Every once in a while, everyone just wants to see a seriously messed up flick. So if you're looking for one, Happiness might fit the bill.

This is a film everyone should just...see.  No-one can ever quite get a handle on it, but in its strange little way, it's just...awesome.

The conversation on the bed between Dylan Baker and his son is probably one of the all-time great black comedy moments in the history of entertainment.

Quoted from Heretic The conversation on the bed between Dylan Baker and his son is probably one of the all-time great black comedy moments in the history of entertainment.

I saw this years and years ago and still remember that scene. Seriously fucked up.

I do have to say that for a black comedy as opposed to comedy as a whole, this one hit it out of the ballpark. It was constantly trying to push that comfort zone and probably surpassed it for a lot of people. It wasn't happy just to let people laugh at dark things and stick to the "safer" taboos, if you will. Taboo is taboo but I think even in the realms of black comedy, Happiness is in a class of its own. Welcome to the Dollhouse would probably inhabit the same class but Happiness was way more disturbing.

bought this one about 6 months ago (without watching it first) and i absolutely loved it. its so dark. probably the darkest film ive ever seen now that i think about it. and it all comes down to the pedophilia themes. that scene where Baker is driving and his son's friend gradually falls down into his lap? i was shocked beyond words. the characters are so deep and complex, yet strangely sympathetic. and hoffman's performance is brilliant.

one of my favorites, yet i dont tell many people because im pretty sure they wouldnt talk to me anymore if they watched the movie based on my recommendation.