Cache-Theater

Cache (2005), Dir. Michael Haneke

I actually saw this one at Cannes, but didn't feel qualified to say anything about it since I dozed off somewhere in the middle and wasn't sure how much I'd missed. But happy times, I saw it all the way through (and learned I missed about 15 minutes).

This is the only film I have seen by Haneke, and it's austere structure is a bit misleading. There is no music, no special effects, nothing blowing up, no guns, and yet somehow, it manages to maintain a level of suspense that is very disquieting. You don't even know you're tense until you let out a deep sigh at the end.

The story revolves around an affluent Parisian couple receiving anonymous videotapes of them coming and going from their house, and each tape gets a little closer and more disturbing. We also see a complex family relationship that seems happy on the surface, but as soon as the trouble begins, we wonder exactly how happily married they are.

I wouldn't say this is a film that will amaze you with its watertight structure (you'll probably be pointing out holes in the story after it's all over), but all of that is really beside the point. Haneke isn't interested in telling you the answers, finding the culprit, or leaving you in awe of his dizzying story. What he's really seems to be focused on is the complexity and unknowability of the people closest to you, and in some cases, you are your own worst enemy. There is also the element of racial tension between French people and Algerians living in France, but it is more secondary to being haunted by your own dark sides.

If you can sit still for two hours without a high-volume soundtrack banging on your forehead, don't need explosions, and can read the subtitles, go for it. If you can't, go see The Aviator.