Happiness (1998 film)

]

Controversy

The film was highly controversial for its heavy sexual themes, especially its portrayal of Bill, a pedophile and child rapist, as a three-dimensional human being with redeeming qualities. While the way in which the role was written was criticized, however, Baker was lauded for his performance.

Expecting that the MPAA would brand it with an NC-17 rating, which would make distribution difficult, the filmmakers opted not to submit the film for rating, hence sealing limited distribution and difficulty in advertising. The poster art was done by comic book creator Daniel Clowes.

Awards

1998 Cannes Film Festival - FIPRESCI Prize, Parallel Sections

1999 Golden Globes - Nominated for Best Screenplay (Todd Solondz)

1998 National Board of Review, USA - Best Acting by and Ensemble

1999 Independent Spirit Awards - Nominated for Best Director (Todd Solondz), Best Male Lead (Dylan Baker), Best Supporting Male (Philip Seaymour Hoffman)

1998 São Paulo International Film Festival - International Jury Award

1998 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival - Critic's Choice Award: Best Actor - Dylan Baker; Best Film

1998 Toronto International Film Festival - Metro Media Award

1999 British Independent Film Award - Best Foreign Film, English Language

1999 Chlotrudis Awards - Best Screenplay - Todd Solondz

1999 Fantasporto - Directors' Week Award - Todd Solondz

ee also

*List of films portraying paedophilia or sexual abuse of minors

References