classicsoncall This is a subversively dark yet sometimes funny movie that on the surface seems to deal with a bunch of pathetic losers. Those losers however simply turn out to be every day people dealing with their own bouts of loneliness, obsession, and quiet desperation. Though we don't know it at the start, most of the principal characters all belong to a single family, handling their neuroses in the best way they can without making much progress. An odd aspect of the film is that it takes a look at human frailties that lead their characters into various forms of depravity without making a moral judgment, leaving that pretty much up to the viewer. For that reason, there will be those who abhor the picture and those who may take away some meaningful insight. Dylan Baker, as the tortured psychologist Bill Maplewood is a case in point. His portrayal is probably just a bit too candid for most folks, and quite frankly, I didn't see any credibility in his frank discussion about sexual abuse and masturbation with his own son. Maybe I'm naïve, but I'd bet if there were one in a million parents like him discussing such a personally depraved topic while implicating himself in a crime, then I just don't comprehend human nature. Ditto for Kristina (Camryn Manheim) laying bare her slice and dice of Pedro the doorman to neighbor Allen (Philip Seymour Hoffman). On the flip side, Allen's behavior as a serial phone call abuser seemed all too credible and I don't doubt there are any number of perverts like him running around getting their kicks anonymously. The best that can be said about the film is that each of the players effectively demonstrate their own failures as human beings while striving for their own definition of happiness, elusive as that may be. Among the principal cast members, there's really no one who evokes enough sympathy to be considered a good guy or gal, so ultimately, a happy ending is deemed inconclusive. One surprise in the picture though was the appearance of the real estate agent who showed Mona Jordan (Louise Lasser) an apartment. I'd never seen Marla Maples in a picture before, and her identity eluded me until I looked up her credit for the film here. It made me wonder if her ex-husband Donald Trump ever saw this picture.

bowmanblue I've always enjoyed 'Happiness,' despite asking myself WHY I ever bothered to watch it after every single viewing. Yes, the title is deliberately ironic as there is barely a trace of anything vaguely happy in the entire mover, but then it knows that. It's safe to say that 'Happiness' is definitely not a 'feel-good' film and you really do need to know what you're in for before you sit down to invest over two hours with this manic depressive beast of a movie.I suppose you could call it an 'ensemble' piece as there are numerous characters all woven together around the three central characters who are sisters all at various stages of adulthood and doing their best to either live with what's become their lot in life, or desperately try to change it. It's basically a family drama, but with a few – very – dark helpings of black humour. However, the overriding thing to say about 'Happiness' is that it deals with the worst themes you can probably think of and presents them in a way that forces you to think about those who it's easy to despise without a second thought. Therefore, you don't just have to be in the mood for something depressing, but also something that really goes into areas of human nature that you would probably not like to dwell on, most notably child abuse.'Happiness' is a film that will certainly leave an impact on you, even if it's just you swearing you will never watch something like that again. However, for all the darkness and realism it presents, I have watched it about three times and I think it's a worthy film. The performances are all excellent. You'd be hard put to it to find a weak link among the cast. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is naturally excellent, but perhaps the hardest role falls to Dylan Baker who plays possibly one of the most (bizarrely!) relatable child molesters you've ever met. It must have been a horrible role for him and he plays it to perfection.Like I say, don't expect feel-good and get ready for a rough ride. But, if you're in the mood for something as deep as this it will certainly make you wonder who's sitting opposite you and what goes on behind the façade of family-friendly life.

petarmatic When I watched this film I knew I was going to love it from the beginning. It simply describes life! Most of us would love that time does not pass but it does. For some it passes quickly, for others slowly, but it passes. Little children grow up and eventually become adults. They have to perform sexual act to continue the species. Some parents take that fact with normal attitude, others do not. Also, time passes for some male adults who develop interest for young(er) people. Hm, hm, may be a little too young. This film describes this film so well.Acting is excellent. Plot is excellent as well. Everything is excellent about this film. Please make sure you watch it!

SnoopyStyle Joy Jordan (Jane Adams) and Andy Kornbluth (Jon Lovitz) are a sad couple on a really bad date. He berates her mercilessly. Allen (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a pervert and his psychiatrist Bill Maplewood (Dylan Baker) cares little for his fantasies. Helen Jordan (Lara Flynn Boyle) is a lonely successful author whose neighbor Allen makes obscene phone calls. Trish Maplewood (Cynthia Stevenson) is the oldest Jordan sister and married to Bill Maplewood. She's bossy to her youngest sister Joy. She has 3 children but she doesn't know that her husband has disturbing thoughts and they have a sexless marriage. The Jordan sisters' parents Mona (Louise Lasser) and Lenny (Ben Gazzara) are separating after 40 years of marriage. And that's not to mention the disturbing things that Bill Maplewood gets up to.This is a mass of unhappy people. The title is a bit of a joke. Everybody is damaged. They do disturbing things. They hurt each other. Mostly they are their own worst enemy. It's not funny. It's not lovable. I have no wish to spend any time with any of them. It is a disappointing turn from writer/director Todd Solondz who made 'Welcome to the Dollhouse'. I actually like the character in that movie. I find no happiness in wallowing in this tale of human misery.