Michel Haneke

[Hamm]

Fascinating interview

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/oct/25/interview-michael-haneke-white-ribbon

I wouldn't disagree he is one of the best Directors around at present, though would also volunteer the likes of Jacques Audiard.

Caché (Hidden) is one of the most incredible films you could hope to see.

American cinema is dismissed with a wave of the hand as "cultural imperialism". How so? "I hate films that try to make me more stupid than I am, and there are a lot.

Great line. Watching the Empire of the Sun recently (I am a fan of JG Ballard) was excruciating - what an awful film. A generalisation, yes, but why do American film-makes feel the need to lower everything to the lowest common denominator, especially with the cringeworthy obvious symbolism just in case the audience does not understand the theme of the film?

Along with the Prophet by Audiard, the White Ribbon promises to be one of the finest films of 2009.

 

[Harbinger]

Why did Haneke do the US remake of Funny Games? Seemed a strange thing for him to spend his time on.

 

[Hamm]

Not sure, doesn't really make sense, I agree.

For those in and around London, I'd try and get along to as much of this as possible..

http://www.curzoncinemas.com/#/events/michael_haneke_season

The Curzon is one of the best things about living in London.