Writer-director
Todd Solondz made a big splash on the festival circuit a few years back with Welcome
To The Dollhouse, a highly overrated dark comedy that did nothing for me. With
Happiness, Solondz has taken a slight step forward with this story of dysfunction,
alienation and over-the-top gross humor.
The
film is actually several stories that are bridged together through three very
different sisters. One is shy and reserved, one is conceited, always getting what
she wants and the last is a quirky housewife that is unaware that her husband
is a pedafile.
Much
of the dialogue, as in Solondz' previous film, is just plain stupid. But there
some moments that work. Most of performances are very good, including Philip Seymour
Hoffman as a timid computer nerd who likes to make dirty phone calls, and Dylan
Baker as the sympathetic pedafile.
The
film would work better if Solondz would trust the quieter moments instead of throwing
in outlandish, bizarre humor that doesn't work. He should also refine some of
his dialogue and stop playing the tortured artist. Still, Happiness is a big jump
from his last effort. On a final note, if you are curious and want to see this
film, you will have to travel to Las Vegas or Salt Lake because it won't play
in St. George. However, it's probably not worth the drive.
