JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonHard Candy (2005) - In Cinemas
August 24th 2006 07:34
A John Doe Cinema Review.
Hard Candy
Cinema Poster
Director:David Slade
Writer:Brian Nelson
Starring:Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson, Sandra Oh
NB* This review is spoiler free; I will type in broad strokes only.
I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of this a few weeks ago and thought it certainly warranted a Cinema review. Currently showing at Movie Houses in Oz, Hard Candy is available to buy on DVD in the U.S.A.
Director David Slade makes his Directorial Feature debut with this theatrical chill ride of verbal sparring and mental manipulation. Hard Candy is a claustrophobic, well written thriller that delves beneath the surface of the character’s to examine some very complex issues.
14 year old Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) is book smart beyond her years. As the film opens we see an online conversation between her and the 35 year old Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson). Unsettling from the first breath, the relationship quickly starts heading in directions that challenge the very definition of what we look for in our big screen protagonists.
The grey area between right and wrong is where the film shines, challenging the audience. Illustrating modern society's belief in a nihilistic self motivated morality and the safety of voyeurism.
No Gore. No Pornography, it didn’t need it.
The lack of funds allow for some creative camera work and very raw to the bone performances. The brilliant dialogue and thoughtful editing enhance the tension and atmosphere.
John Doe Says:
After waiting close to 12 months to see Hard Candy, I walked out smiling and pondering.
Ellen Page (X-Men: Last Stand) displays a stunning, assured performance well beyond her tender age. Balanced perfectly by the restrained, Patrick Wilson (The Alamo) the emotional energy generated between these to actors bounces off the screen.
The only fault you may see after the lights have come back on, is buying some of 14 year old Hayley’s abilities in reading situations. But this doesn’t detract from the major pleasure of working through the moral and ethical quandaries placed squarely in our laps.
Questions of Justice, Vengeance, punishment fitting the crime and the toll it takes on the soul. The very human ability to inflict great pain and suffering on others for instant personal gratification.
A quality low budget squirmier that pulled me right in, but also provided quality fodder for the brain once the end credits rolled.
More than just knee jerk entertainment, for those who delve to do a bit of self examination. A clever thriller that I’m sure will stand up to repeat screenings.
Starring:Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson, Sandra Oh
NB* This review is spoiler free; I will type in broad strokes only.
I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of this a few weeks ago and thought it certainly warranted a Cinema review. Currently showing at Movie Houses in Oz, Hard Candy is available to buy on DVD in the U.S.A.
Director David Slade makes his Directorial Feature debut with this theatrical chill ride of verbal sparring and mental manipulation. Hard Candy is a claustrophobic, well written thriller that delves beneath the surface of the character’s to examine some very complex issues.
14 year old Hayley Stark (Ellen Page) is book smart beyond her years. As the film opens we see an online conversation between her and the 35 year old Jeff Kohlver (Patrick Wilson). Unsettling from the first breath, the relationship quickly starts heading in directions that challenge the very definition of what we look for in our big screen protagonists.
The grey area between right and wrong is where the film shines, challenging the audience. Illustrating modern society's belief in a nihilistic self motivated morality and the safety of voyeurism.
No Gore. No Pornography, it didn’t need it.
The lack of funds allow for some creative camera work and very raw to the bone performances. The brilliant dialogue and thoughtful editing enhance the tension and atmosphere.
John Doe Says:
After waiting close to 12 months to see Hard Candy, I walked out smiling and pondering.
Ellen Page (X-Men: Last Stand) displays a stunning, assured performance well beyond her tender age. Balanced perfectly by the restrained, Patrick Wilson (The Alamo) the emotional energy generated between these to actors bounces off the screen.
The only fault you may see after the lights have come back on, is buying some of 14 year old Hayley’s abilities in reading situations. But this doesn’t detract from the major pleasure of working through the moral and ethical quandaries placed squarely in our laps.
Questions of Justice, Vengeance, punishment fitting the crime and the toll it takes on the soul. The very human ability to inflict great pain and suffering on others for instant personal gratification.
A quality low budget squirmier that pulled me right in, but also provided quality fodder for the brain once the end credits rolled.
More than just knee jerk entertainment, for those who delve to do a bit of self examination. A clever thriller that I’m sure will stand up to repeat screenings.
Hard Candy is scheduled for an Australian DVD release on December 6.
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Comment by Ginger Snap
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Your stuck with waiting for the Time Code or ordering it on DVD from the US.
Turns out Hard Candy finished its Australian Cinema run yesterday.
Should have posted my review last week, dammit.
Comment by Anonymous
Check out my Ellen Page Fan Site, we can talk on the forums there! I started it about a day ago, so I'm still working on it, it's got already tons of features, including a fully-working forum. click the link to the left (I don't know how to get rid of the automated words int he link, because it overwrites my HTML, but it's the link to my site) Really Long Link
Hard Candy is definitely my favorite movie, so I have a lot to talk about lol.