Camryn Manheim at 4K ‘Happiness’ Revival
Veteran actress reunites with Lara Flynn-Boyle for a BleakWeek 4K screening of ‘Happiness’
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Camryn Manheim took to the iconic Egyptian Theatre steps in Hollywood last weekend to celebrate a major restoration milestone. The Emmy-winning actress thanked American Cinematheque for showcasing the new 4K restoration of Todd Solondz’s 1998 film Happiness as part of their annual BleakWeek lineup.
A Chilling Comedy Returns
The once-controversial dramedy hit screens in pristine detail, reminding audiences why Happiness still divides viewers more than 25 years after its original release. Manheim told fans she “hadn’t seen this movie in over 25 years, and it’s still as chilling, disturbing—and dare I say it, hilarious—as it was back in the day.” Scenes that cut between suburban gloom and off-beat humor now shine with restored color and clarity, underscoring Solondz’s unflinching take on quiet desperation.
Todd Solondz, known for his darkly comic portraiture, curated a BleakWeek program that also included discussions on his approach to taboo topics. Manheim noted that the restoration brings fresh perspective to supporting performances—moments that once screened grainy now pop on the big screen.
Unforgettable Collaborations
Beyond the film itself, the evening was a reunion for cast and crew. Manheim reconnected with co-star Lara Flynn-Boyle onstage, sparking applause from longtime fans. She paid tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who delivered one of his earliest breakthrough roles as a meek schoolteacher in Happiness. “I will never forget working with the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was an honor and a privilege to dance with you!” Manheim said, recalling the film’s surreal party sequence where her character glides across the floor with Hoffman’s.
The actress spotlighted the ensemble cast—Dylan Baker, Jane Adams, John Lovitz, Cynthia Stevenson, Louise Lasser, Ben Gazzara and others—crediting their fearlessness in tackling Solondz’s blend of misery and mirth. “This movie certainly isn’t a family show,” she warned, “but it is masterfully acted by a brilliant group of performers.”
A Cinephile’s Must-see
Manheim urged true film lovers to catch the restored Happiness while it’s on the big screen. She reminded guests that the film “is not to be missed” for anyone invested in boundary-pushing indie cinema. Though its dark humor and frank subject matter aren’t universally palatable, the new copy offers a chance for critics and newcomers alike to reassess Solondz’s legacy.
Dedicated cinephiles filled the Egyptian Theatre, many wearing throwback ’90s attire in homage to the film’s era. A post-screening Q&A covered everything from the challenges of editing controversial scenes in the late ’90s to the decision to enhance subtle flourishes—like the haunting aerial shot that bookends the story—with modern visual tools.
Manheim’s appearance at BleakWeek builds on her own history of advocacy for independent film preservation. In recent years, she’s lent her voice to campaigns supporting archival projects and community-run cinemas. Though best known for her long-running role on The Practice and her ghostly turn on Ghost Whisperer, Manheim’s passion for film history resonates with festival organizers striving to keep hidden gems alive.
As a final nod to her roots, Manheim shared that audiences lucky enough to see the 4K Happiness restoration get a new experience: sharper details in her costume and makeup, plus clearer sound design that lays bare Solondz’s tension-laden score. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a curious newcomer, this revived edition promises a once-in-a-generation look at a landmark of dark comedy.
BleakWeek continues through the weekend with screenings, panels and guest appearances celebrating films that embrace the bleak—and offer stubborn flashes of laughter.
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