You know those films that are so controversial just for one scene, that everyone flocks to the cinema just to talk about that scene and that alone? I myself am not the biggest fans of those movies. Call me picky, but I like films that have more to offer to them than just one controversial scene. Sure, Reservoir Dogs had that notorious torture scene, but I think its fair to say that most people who went to see it just for that, got a lot more out of it than they expected. Which, of course brings me to Hard Candy. A film that is sure to be remembered for one scene more than any other. The question is does the rest of the movie live up to the films main selling point?
The film begins with an instant message conversation between Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) and Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson). The internet conversation leads to the two meeting up, and the much younger Hayley gains Jeffs trust so much that he takes her back to his apartment. Unfortunately for Jeff, Hayley has plans up her sleeve, and it isnt long before Jeff is drugged, wakes up and finds that Hayley isnt quite as nice as she seemed. Hayley then begins to torture Jeff in an effort to find out where he is hiding his stash of child porn which she suspects he has. Failure to comply with Hayley leads to some uncomfortable viewing, and Jeff soon has to make a decision which will end in either his death or going to jail.
First I thought the script for this film was well developed in places. The first third of the film pretty much sets up the two lead characters who are going to carry this movie for the majority of its running time, and you can just tell that even though Jeff knows what hes doing with Hayley is morally wrong, he just cant help himself. The branch from Hayley being an innocent and somewhat naïve teenager, to a full on female vigilante out to make punish all the wrongdoings Jeff has been up to, by any means necessary is very sudden, but just about believable thanks to the way Hayleys character is handled, and also some good acting by Ellen Page. Patrick Wilson also manages to pull off the somewhat slimy predator who gets a taste of his own medicine very well, and puts in a very believable performance when he is put in to a situation any man on this planet would dread. There is no doubt though that the film really does kick in to gear when Hayley begins to torture Jeff in some squeamish ways. The castration scene is almost no holds barred, both in terms of its length, and the horrible audio that is played as Hayley performs her amateur operation. We dont see snippets of the operation, we see Hayley castrating her victim from beginning to end. The film actually contains some extremely dark humour at this point from both characters, presumably to make sure none of the guys in the audience run out of the auditorium at the thought of whats occurring on the screen. As the film goes towards it climax where Hayley gives Jeff pretty much a lose-lose style decision, the script still stays strong, and reveals a twist that you probably didnt see coming. I would say its a testament to the lead actors ability that this twist actually works, and you believe that is could still be realistic.
In terms of the way the film was shot, the camera work is very much in your face for most of the movie. The director, David Slade, seems to be a big fan of getting up close and personal with his actors for most of the movie, although now and again I must admit I found the shaky cam effect to be annoying rather than artistic. Sometimes it was worthwhile shooting a scene in such a way, but other times it felt like Slade was shooting it in that way just for the sake of it. The whole look of the film is very much primary colour related, and indeed most of the films backgrounds usually only consist of one or two contrasting primary colours, giving the film a real visual flair, on a low budget. The opening credits sequence is also well done in terms of visuals I would say.
In terms of the overall quality of this movie, I would not go as far to say as this was a classic all round, or that it is really worth seeing on a big screen. In fact the overuse of the shaky cam effect and close up shots may actually make this movie work better on a small screen. However, in terms of tackling the controversial subjects of internet grooming, child pornography, paedophilia, and castration, this film does manage to tackle nearly all of these areas no holds barred. The film is also brave enough to end the film on a somewhat down beat ending, which is sure to lead to debates about just how badly punished people who commit crimes involving child pornography should be. Whatever happens, Hard Candy is one of those films t see that is sure to stimulate your mind and get people talking about a taboo subject. Just dont go seeing it if you have any delicate operations coming up!
Another link (
http://www.montrealmirror.com/2006/042706/film1.html)
Official site link (
http://hardcandymovie.com/)
At Amazon (
http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Candy-Patric ... B000GI3KGC)
A review I found of the movie.
