After getting The Essential Michael Haneke collection for Christmas, I’m trying to watch the ones I haven’t seen in chronological order. Starting with The Seventh Continent very late last year and continuing with Benny’s Video today. Haneke’s films are often slow numbers, and often contain characters whose motivations are rather ambiguous and actions are rather disturbing. Benny’s video, his second film, continues this trend. About how a boy’s fascination with using his video camera and growing interest in video violence culminates into something much more sinister. Haneke is a master of the psychological and creating horror out of what you don’t see. Through simple static shots and only hearing what’s going on off screen, the effect is much more absorbing and harrowing than if it was all spelled out. Benny’s Video isn’t his greatest film, but along with The Seventh Continent it does cement a style that would only blossom and improve, as seen in his later efforts, like Hidden and The White Ribbon.
4/5
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