Todd Solondz Developing Happiness Sequel
When it comes to disturbing films, there are few directors who can make you feel uncomfortable quite like Todd Solondz. The dark comedy Welcome to the Dollhouse is probably his best known work, but it is his second film Happiness that is the most difficult to watch, with scenes of Philip Seymour Hoffman as a phone sex pervert and Dylan Baker as a psychiatrist who starts to experience pedophiliac urges. Well, it looks like we’re in for another round of punishment as Solondz has managed to score funding to shoot a sequel/companion piece to Happiness.
According to Variety, the currently untitled movie “revolves around a group of struggling individuals, struggling to find a place for themselves in an unpredictable and volatile world” and will be “told through a series of intersecting love stories”. No word yet on if any of the previous actors will reprise their roles, but this is the same movie that Paul Reubens was reportedly attached to star in at one point. Shooting starts in October in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and casting is currently under way. I am guessing this will only end up being loosely connected to Happiness, since Solondz’s last film Palindromes could also be seen as a sequel to Welcome to the Dollhouse (the Wiener family made an appearance, minus Dawn). Either way, I will definitely be looking forward to squirming in my seat as I watch his next demented masterpiece.
Comments (2)
I have the screenplay - it’s pretty much a direct sequel to all three films (Welcome to the Dollhouse, Happiness and Palindromes) in as much as the characters continue their stories - sans Aviva. Dead and alive. Mark Weiner has a big part. All of the characters from Happiness are there. It’s really good. The first page of the script flat out says who played who in the past films, then says - will be played by different actors.
Posted by Rick Iaeger on August 28th, 2008I just cant figure out who Paul Reubens is playing. It’s either Andy, Bill Maplethorp or Alan (the Hoffman character from Happiness).
I only haven’t seen Palindromes but I’m sure Happiness has to be his best. Love that movie! I’ll never look at an issue of Tiger Beat the same way again (or a postcard on a wall for that matter).
Posted by Ryan M. on August 29th, 2008Leave a Reply