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Hard Candy [2006] | | |
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 NOT EASY VIEWING September 26, 2006
Steps (Luxembourg)
27 out of 38 found this review helpful
Opening with a computer screen capturing flirtatious key strokes between online chat room users, David Slade's, gritty indie drama/shocker, Hard Candy begins at a playful and gentle pace before snaking off in altogether different directions. Taking a delicate subject and molding it into a pot-boiler thriller is a risky proposition, not least when dealing with pedophilia (alleged or otherwise) and Hard Candy doesn't pull any punches.
Its central conceit: 14 year old Hayley (Ellen Page) and thirty-something photographer Jeff (Patrick Wilson), meet up at a coffee house following some fruity internet exchanges and appear to hit it off. Their easy banter begins to flow naturally and seems kind of innocent if a little sexually barbed, then Hayley agrees to leave with Jeff and go to his swish apartment cum studio and things take a much darker turn. At this point many of the audience should hear the sound of alarm bells ringing. In an ideal world Hayley should never have gone to meet Jeff in the first place and in a less morally moribund world Jeff should've simply left the coffee shop when he discovers his `date' to be so young. It's a pertinent point in modern society that danger is not often as immediate or as obvious as you might think.
Spade's screenplay crackles with witty dialogue and pop culture references, the twists and turns come thick and fast despite the central and claustrophobic setting. The two chief players are framed in close up for much of the movie, meaning that the performances have to be right on the button in order for Hard Candy to be an effective two hander. Ellen Page is a terrifying Lolita, part woman scorned, part wide-eyed teenager and part Charles Bronson. Her stand out turn is guaranteed to scare the wits out of male audiences the world over and although played as a little too cocksure, her performance here is set to take her into the big league. Wilson also deserves credit as he lends certain credibility and charm to the nominal `villain' of the piece who would so often be branded sleazy or a recluse outsider. His delivery ensures the terror and impact of what you (thankfully) do not see on screen is fully realized.
The talking point of Hard Candy is predictably the lengthy torture scene involving some impromptu amateur surgery and this key sequence is essentially the crux of Spade's film. Here, despite you being convinced that Jeff is a bit of a creep, you can't help but empathize with his plight. Or can you? There in lies Spade's intelligent juxtaposition, the fact that you never actually see any firm evidence to suggest Jeff's guilt, means that it's Hayley's word against his and Hayley, it seems, happens to be a bit deranged. Or is she? In keeping much of Hayley's motivation ambiguous and avoiding giving hard evidence of her accusations leveled at Jeff, the audience is left to decide whether Hayley is within her rights as a would be post modern vigilante and if Jeff is even deserving of such an act? The `did he/didn't he?' aspect of the screenplay certainly ratchets the tension when the scalpel finally comes out, but will no doubt divide audiences once the end credits roll.
Hard Candy is grueling viewing (male audiences will wince throughout) and it's not likely to be a movie watched repeatedly. David Slade's feature debut has attracted critical praise, most of which deservedly due to two fine central performances but it's not without faults, Hard Candy treads dangerously close to parody when the message, although hidden in satirical overtones, becomes increasingly fractured. Hamstrung slightly by an ending that feels a little too convenient and moments of daft character decisions, this thought provoking piece falls short of the movie it will be inevitable compared to, namely Takashi Miike's `Audition'. It is though a relevant topical feature that sparks debate on a subject often considered too taboo for mainstream cinema.
One piece of advice: avoid this movie if you are intending to embark on a nice romantic date. It'll only end in tears.
 Excellent November 12, 2006
Don Leavey (London)
11 out of 16 found this review helpful
I guess the people who do not like this film are the ones who like things spelled out for them in CGI effects, car chases, zombies, aliens and gore-fests - and there is nothing wrong with any of those things, it is just that this film is different; it requires a bit of thinking, some imagination and the appreciation of a great script played out well.
It is one of the best films that I have seen in quite a while. I do not expect anyone to agree with me, but I thought I would balance up the negative comments.
Is it a coincidence that all of the people who hated this film are also unable to spell-check?
Intense From the Start February 23, 2007
TomBeTom (Nottinghamshire, England)
11 out of 15 found this review helpful
"Hard Candy" is a movie that steers clear of any abundance of characters and cast members. Overall, there are only four people that ever come into the story as it develops that have any bearing whatsoever. This is an interesting, engaging viewing experience that keeps the viewer entertained throughout and correctly makes sure not to establish too much of a moral high-ground for either of its two main characters. Nowhere near as gory and grisly as the 18-rating that it brandishes, its a movie that's more suggestive than anything. Thankfully though, it steers well clear of being another teen horror movie jargon -- and we've seen about enough of that over the past two years as it is.
In an astonishing debut in a major film production Ellen Page plays the part of the co- lead character Hayley Stark.[...].
Directed magnificently by British director David Slade in his first feature film, "Hard Candy" is a wonderfully shot, wonderfully lighted and sensationally acted thriller. Complete with sadism, revenge and brutality (most of it from the 14-year old girl) it is truly a controversial film that, for all its grit, manages to be a beautiful in appearance, low-budget movie that surely should qualify as one of the better cinematic releases of 2005 and early 2006. Certainly, it's found its way onto my favourites list.
Viewers will probably never feel sorry for Jeff Kohlver as Hayley tortures and interrogates him rigorously, but the squeamish may not be entirely comfortable during a certain surgical procedure performed on the man. And, when the revelations towards the end of the picture come to the surface you could be excused for wondering why exactly these revelations didn't come during said surgical procedure.
Intense from the start and right up until the finish, "Hard Candy" is a stylish, absorbing thriller that explores several subjects without taking the preachy tone or using too much exploitation as movies such as "Audition" might have done in the past. With only two characters for the majority of its running time you might also be forgiven for expecting this to be one of those films that gets boring as it goes along. It doesn't. It's excellent from beginning 'til end.
So, if you're looking for a thriller that isn't so much like anything you might have seen before than there's "Hard Candy" for your consideration. Absorbing, thrilling, clever and slightly unnerving. This is a film I'd recommend to pretty much anybody. Hopefully Ellen Page manages to maintain such brilliance throughout her career, thus far the signs are good. As with Patrick Wilson. And director David Slade for that matter. Excellent movie.
Unbeleivable September 8, 2006
S. Whittle (peterborough England)
10 out of 15 found this review helpful
What a fantastic film. My husband sat with his legs crossed for the second half of the film. Not for the Squemish. If you are a fan of ReGenesis then you will recognise the lead actor in her first major movie role. I wish they made more movies like this as it holds no punches. Watch out for the twist near the end.
An immense film September 18, 2006
Jo Tait (Warwickshire)
9 out of 19 found this review helpful
I saw this film on a plane coming back from Las Vegas having read the synopsis I thought it would be worth a watch and with nothing to do for the next 10 hours I had nothing to lose. Reading the synopsis I wondered how they were going to get away with dealing with such a sinister subject but from word go it is nothing like I imagined. As a young female that uses the internet it was awesome to see a film where she was sticking up for herself and not letting him get what he wanted. I bet he wished he had never met her. It has a few twists that will keep you interested and is really really worth a watch; the young actress that plays the girl is absolutely superb and so refreshing to see.
Everyone should check this film out!
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