This is the original Austrian one. This came out in 97. That’s why this one is actually more important. Everybody seems like an uglier version of the American counterpart, and I like that. I love hot chicks, BUT I like when people aren’t supermodels in films. It makes feel more realistic. There is no point in doing a play by play, if you want that, read my write up for Funny Games (2007). I just want to note the minor intricacies that may have been better or worse compared to the remake.
So Anna’s bra panties scene is nowhere near as good as Ann’s is. I believe I read that Naomi Watts wanted it skimpier to project more vulnerability, which was the right call for viewer’s and for the story. I like how the blood is done on the original. It looks faker, but visually it is more appealing to me. It shows up better against the walls. I am also noticing that Anna is stronger than Ann is. Notice the ways that they get their husbands up. Both make sense as Ann is looked to be more vulnerable and probably more weak to go with it. Anna’s face is so much redder than Ann’s, like she looks like she has been through hell. I liked Ann’s death better than Anna’s.I also really liked the American version of the 2 boys. They just looked more prim and proper, but maybe its a cultural or time frame thing. I don’t know, but they appealed to me more and were just a tad more devious, threatening to me, and it probably is the language barrier.
At the end of the day, both film’s accomplish the same damn thing. I like looking at Naomi Watts more, and I preferred the 2 boys in the American version. Plus, Tim Roth is Tim Roth. For me personally, I have to give a 0.1 advantage to the remake out of personal taste.
Final rating: 5.8
All the pictures used in this blog are for review purposes. They are the property of:
- Filmfonds Wien (support)
- Wega Film
- Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF) (support)
- Österreichisches Filminstitut (support)
Please go find a copy and support the creators.