Happiness . Newcity Chicago . 10-26-98

Happiness

DIRECTED BY: Todd Solondz

REVIEWED: 10-26-98

If you haven't heard why "Happiness," the new film from Todd Solondz, writer- director of "Welcome to the Dollhouse," is already notorious, you will soon enough. Solondz makes a major leap from his earlier picture, in formal and tonal control, in the starkness of its comedy, and in developing his own vigorous voice. In his unflinching depiction of the wildly unsuccessful attempts of its large cast of characters, centered on three New Jersey sisters, to find the title state of mind, Solondz has made an extraordinary, unflinching film that has divided its early viewers between finding it intelligent yet twisted, or delicate and ultimately compassionate. I tend to the latter. With Jane Adams, Dylan Baker, Lara Flynn Boyle, Ben Gazzara, Louise Lasser, Jared Harris, Cynthia Stevenson, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Panavision.

--Ray Pride

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Other Films by Todd Solondz
Welcome to the Dollhouse

Film Vault Suggested Links
God Said, "Ha!"
The Darien Gap
The Apartment

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