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Todd Solondz's Life During Wartime is a sort-of sequel to his previous flick,Happiness.Here the same characters are portrayed by different actors.The title is from a song by Talking Heads.There are many themes involving sadness,regret,hopelessness and old ghosts both real and imagined. It's good that the director didn't use the title: Too Much Happiness!Allison Janey,Shirley Henderson,Charlotte Rampling are all outstanding.This is not for all tastes, but it is rewarding for its audacious originality.
I found this film unsatisfying. It's a very dark film (which is fine), but I didn't find the black humour all that amusing (and neither did anyone else in the theatre). And the ending was unsatisfying for me too. If you're a fan of Todd Solondz you will probably enjoy it; otherwise, save your money.
Fans of "Happiness" will love this follow up. Dark as oil black comedy that's brilliantly crafted.