Happiness

Good Machine | Release Date: October 16, 1998

2.6	USER SCORE Generally unfavorable reviews based on 211 Ratings

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ComideanAug 25, 2019

Only boring depressed white people would find this movie “clever” or entertaining. It’s a shame that such a talented cast would take part in such an pointless project. If you feel life is so goddamn meaningless then why even make movies.

16 of 19 users found this helpful163

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Nesbitt10Dec 29, 2012

Easily the most disturbing and hilarious film simultaneously ever made; the ultimate of dark humor movies. Happiness is an ensemble drama that skips around between multiple storylines. Three sisters; a young women socially isolated seekingEasily the most disturbing and hilarious film simultaneously ever made; the ultimate of dark humor movies. Happiness is an ensemble drama that skips around between multiple storylines. Three sisters; a young women socially isolated seeking relationships, another happily married with a psychiatrist husband and three kids. Unfortunately, her husband develops an unnatural fascination for his 11 year old son's male classmate, fantasizes about mass killing in a park, and masturbates to teen magazines. One of his patients, Allen (Seymour Hoffman) has a fascination for the third sister who desperately wants to be raped. Meanwhile, the apparently stable 40 year marriage of the sister's parents suddenly unravels when he decides he has had enough and wants to be alone. The lives of these people are all connected by the desire for happiness, often from immoral, dark sources. The only situation that seems out of place is the conversation in a diner where a lady admits to Allen about murdering someone. Clearly this is a film not for everyone due to the disturbing subject matters, it's the zenith of the darkest of dark humor. Fantastic all around performances by a formidable cast, especially Dylan Baker and Seymour Hoffman… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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imilhoferDec 27, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is stunningly pessimistic, but in a lighthearted and weirdly optimistic way, lending a great insight into the complexities of the human condition. Great performances (especially from Dylan Baker) compliment this eccentric and brave script that fits together like a beautiful jigsaw and stares with a kind of accusatory tenderness into the soul of its audience. The third of three scenes in which Bill Maplewood (the paedophile) and his son discuss sex is so frank and tense, I had it in my head for weeks afterwards. I'd say the line 'Dad, would you ever me?' is one of the most chilling in cinematic history. Apart from Jane Adams' character (Joy Jordan) being pretty annoying, this film is fairly flawless and should be seen by anyone reading this.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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JoshCNov 20, 2006

Masterfull! Todd Solondz for president.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

Foliage22Apr 4, 2021

Totally repulsive & utterly pointless. .............
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10 of 11 users found this helpful101

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DuffioFeb 27, 2012

Supposedly absurdist and very clever, but to me just seemed a monotonous, overly-lengthy, sordid mess with pointlessly dysfunctional 2D characters. Wantonly repulsive and depressing: a black comedy without the comedy. Abysmal.

10 of 14 users found this helpful104

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tonyGreenJul 15, 2011

A memorable if uncomfortable watch. As a comedy it falls short for me as the material is just too depressing to elicit a laugh, BUT it is compelling as drama. Some great performances, not a "feel-good" film in the least, but very well madeA memorable if uncomfortable watch. As a comedy it falls short for me as the material is just too depressing to elicit a laugh, BUT it is compelling as drama. Some great performances, not a "feel-good" film in the least, but very well made none-the less. If it suffers from anything in particular it is just too long - given the pace perhaps best watched over 2 sessions… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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NazguleroApr 13, 2011

Amazing ! I have never in my life seen a movie where pretty much every single scene was disgusting, depressive, and repulsing. Why would a filmmaker make this movie ? What is the message ? What should the audience get out of it ? It simplyAmazing ! I have never in my life seen a movie where pretty much every single scene was disgusting, depressive, and repulsing. Why would a filmmaker make this movie ? What is the message ? What should the audience get out of it ? It simply shows the worst of people, in a ridiculously exaggerated way...
Try assuming that everyone is great, and capable of great things, for a change !… Expand

11 of 23 users found this helpful1112

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csw12Jan 4, 2014

Off the charts ridiculous. Happiness manages to be disturbing and kind of funny at the same time. The movie is too long and the characters are reprehensible, with scenes that were repulsive. I guess it will be a movie to remember but in moreOff the charts ridiculous. Happiness manages to be disturbing and kind of funny at the same time. The movie is too long and the characters are reprehensible, with scenes that were repulsive. I guess it will be a movie to remember but in more bad ways than good.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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curiousbystandrJun 6, 2015

This is a thought provoking masterful movie definitely not for the emotionally faint-hearted (or closed-minded, which may amount to the same thing). It really reveals the nature of emotions and sexuality and the pathological disconnectednessThis is a thought provoking masterful movie definitely not for the emotionally faint-hearted (or closed-minded, which may amount to the same thing). It really reveals the nature of emotions and sexuality and the pathological disconnectedness of modern society. The movie is both very sad and extremely funny at the same time. I highly recommend this movie to film buffs and anyone who takes an interest in the heart of things.… Expand

3 of 21 users found this helpful318

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talisencrwSep 19, 2014

Truly one of the finest independent American films I have ever seen. A deserved masterpiece. It may be difficult for the modern-day world to watch but it's also equally as necessary. Having seen it now both originally at theatres and nowTruly one of the finest independent American films I have ever seen. A deserved masterpiece. It may be difficult for the modern-day world to watch but it's also equally as necessary. Having seen it now both originally at theatres and now recently on video, my only qualm is that now it seems to be edited somewhat. I hope in future the original version can be seen.… Expand

3 of 24 users found this helpful321

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sekerzitskiJul 7, 2019

Best satire of all times. Don't get the hate at all. Cult movie from a cult director who has yet to compromise his unique vison.

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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AnthonyP.Jul 12, 2008

Clever, yes, but so utterly cynical, so completely bitter: every single character is either singularly pathetic or reprehensible - almost no complexity or dimension to any person in the film, no handle to grasp anyone's humanity, unless Clever, yes, but so utterly cynical, so completely bitter: every single character is either singularly pathetic or reprehensible - almost no complexity or dimension to any person in the film, no handle to grasp anyone's humanity, unless you accept that humanity is just the pits! The writing is all affect; the lines, gratuitously sardonic: self-involved people happlessly dumping on one another, poisoning everyone, everything in the film, poisoning the film itself. There is no glimpse of potential for any character - no soul; all misery. What amazes me is how much favor it has found with the critics. Are they so cynical, so starved for originalty (one credit to this film) that they are happy to bathe in its abject, unrelenting wretchedness? It must be a holiday of schadenfreude for the culturally overfed!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

LightsAndBulbsSep 18, 2022

Undervalued and underrated. A darkly humorous window into the lives of a bunch of people with a connected story all aimlessly searching for happiness in a cruel, hopeless world with a sick sense of humor. Every performance is incrediblyUndervalued and underrated. A darkly humorous window into the lives of a bunch of people with a connected story all aimlessly searching for happiness in a cruel, hopeless world with a sick sense of humor. Every performance is incredibly strong, with both Jane Adams and Camryn Manheim feeling especially like real world people. The film's humor is at times blatant, and at other times incredibly clever and subtle, and the drama is balanced very well, and is always appropriately toned. Rarely does the movie's comedy spoil its more serious parts (except at the end, when the dog... you know). That confession scene between William Maplewood and his son, Billy, is especially well-executed. Despite how many characters were in the film, every single one felt essential to the movie's message. Each one of them was also fleshed out, and unique. No matter who you are, chances are you'll relate to at least one character in this film. Let us just hope that it isn't Mr. Maplewood.
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Best Performance: Jane Adams (Although Camryn Manheim came close)… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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SteveM.Apr 6, 2008

I had this built up by countless friends. It was so incredibly drawn out. The only story that kept my interest was the psychiatrist. Rarely made me laugh; more often made me sleepy. BIG let down.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JaredMar 11, 2006

An absurdist comedy who's concequences are all too real. Each character bleeds emotion, yet we find ourselves compelled to laugh at their comically tragic situations. It satirizes everything yet remains incredibly poignant. All in all An absurdist comedy who's concequences are all too real. Each character bleeds emotion, yet we find ourselves compelled to laugh at their comically tragic situations. It satirizes everything yet remains incredibly poignant. All in all it is a starkly human movie, with the depravity we so often enjoy, yet so often regret.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JayH.Apr 2, 2008

Interesting story and a terrific ensemble of actors. I didn't see the need for it to be quite so long, but it sure has some great scenes along the way. Well written and directed. Not for all tastes and a bit overrated.

0 of 0 users found this helpful