Films › Michael Haneke

Happy End (2017)

Film

DirectorMichael Haneke

Meta takes1

Figures

Characters

The character of Anne Laurent

Form & technique

Opening scene (Ève's smartphone recordings)
The thematic and narrative parallels to Haneke's previous films (Amour, Caché, The Seventh Continent)

Tropes

The recurring, peripheral presence of North African migrants → The Abject
Ève's poisoning of her mother and subsequent suicide attempt
The use of static long takes and surveillance footage
Georges' repeated attempts to end his life
Pierre's disastrous karaoke performance at the family wedding

Films most connected to Happy End

Dune (1984) — via The Abject
Amores Perros (2000) — via The Abject
Black Swan (2010) — via The Abject
Frozen (2013) — via The Abject
Full Metal Jacket (1987) — via The Abject
The Witch (2015) — via The Abject
Akira (1988) — via The Abject
Dead Ringers (1988) — via The Abject