The Story: Alan (Justin Rice), a musician whose band has just broken up, shows up in New York to pursue his burgeoning rock and roll career. He starts by searching for a drummer for a show he's already lined up, and otherwise goes about the mechanics of self-promotion. He finds a champion in Sara (Seung-Min Lee), a radio DJ who sets her sights on a submissive but uninterested Alan and finds him a drummer. In his down time, Alan drinks and strategizes with his old friend Lawrence (Andrew Bujalski), a grad student, and Lawrence's girlfriend Ellie (Rachel Clift), a journalist. Alan endeavors to keep his shoulder to the wheel, while Ellie finds herself compelled by him. The attraction is mutual, but both parties are reluctant to take the next step.
About the Writer/Director: Andrew Bujalski's first feature film, Funny Ha Ha, was released theatrically in summer 2005 by Goodbye Cruel Releasing. A.O. Scott of The New York Times was kind enough to include it in his Top 10 Films of 2005 list and Dennis Lim followed up with a feature on Bujalski and both his films.
Funny Ha Ha's long road towards distribution actually landed it the unique honor of making a Top 10 Film list in three different years: in 2005, 2004 by Film Comment and Cinemaspeak, and 2003 by The Boston Phoenix.
The last three comments on this page go from November 2007, to January, and eventually February 2008. It's May, almost June now. Is talk of this movie dwindling? I just (finally) saw this wonderful little gem. I don't think I've ever heard such natural-sounding dialogue in a film, not even in a Cassavetes film has it felt so real. I'm still trying to get my little independent film off of the ground, and not to sound like the cliche wannabe filmmaker, but this is one of those little films that inspires me and gives me hope--both as a filmmaker and a human being. This film shows the compelling beauty in the quiet, mundane awkwardness. It's a celebration of shyness and crushes. Thank you for making it.
anyone else catch this film at its run at the Brattle in cambridge, ma? if you feel like giving a little more to that most excellent non-profit moviehouse and schoolhouse, donations count 2x this week! =)
idk if i've said this yet, but I finally saw this about a month ago, and it was great... justin did a really good job in his role, the writing was fantastic and it was so witty and humurous, the ending was kind of out of nowhere and abrupt, which would be the only downfall. But overall this was a good movie.
i saw mutual appreciation last night for the first time. thank you, sundance channel. i wanted the movie to go on forever. probably because it reminded me of my life (the relationships, not the music), and that would mean immortality. :)
what i mean to say is you're goddam beautiful, mr rice, and i want to kiss your face. not like a european greeting. more like a sunrise kisses your face after you've stayed up all night having a first conversation.
mutual appreciation and funny haha part of a mumblecore series at IFC in NYC, this summer.
THE NEW TALKIES: Generation DIY Wednesday August 22 - Tuesday September 4 A two-week showcase of an exciting new breed of American indie, including the theatrical premieres of HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS and QUIET CITY. - FUNNY HA HA: Wed Aug 22 and Thu Aug 23 at 12:20, 9:55pm - KISSING ON THE MOUTH: Fri Aug 24 at 12:20, 9:55pm - YOUNG AMERICAN BODIES: Sat Aug 25 at 12:20, 9:55pm - THE PUFFY CHAIR: Sun Aug 26-Mon Aug 27 at 12:20, 9:55pm - DANCE PARTY USA: Tue Aug 28 at 12:20, 9:55pm; Wed Aug 29 at 11:25am, 1:00pm, 9:55pm - HOHOKAM: Thu Aug 30 at 11:25am, 9:55pm - TEAM PICTURE: Thu Aug 30 at 1:05, 6:00pm - MUTUAL APPRECIATION: Fri Aug 31-Sat Sep 1 at 12:00pm, 9:55pm - LOL: Sun Sep 2-Mon Sep 3 at 11:00am, 12:45pm, 9:55pm - QUIETLY ON BY: Tue Sep 4 at 12:30, 8:00pm - MUMBLESHORTS: Tue Sep 4 at 11:00am, 9:55pm
I love Funny haha---its THE film of our generation---brilliant--but have one question---what was the last line of the movie??? if anyone knows, please e-mail me. Thanks! Kary
andrew i finally got hands on a copy at where else but the public library and was it ever so funny. "you're so weird, i don't understand you, ... you're funny though" - best line. all the character's reminded me of my friends, which was oddly comforting since i don't have any now. rachel did great but i miss kate a lot from the last one. keep it real
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