dexterpexter's Journal: Hard Candy

Hard Candy (2005)

Occasionally there is an artistic film which slips through the cracks--be it through poor marketing, competing release times, or simply because it does--that really deserves attention. If this movie received much notice and acclaim outside of Sundance (and the occasional horror community, where it is awkwardly placed as it is not a horror film by traditional terms), or even vocal disapproval, then I was oblivious.

If you want to try something a little different, and aren't slaved to delicate sensibilities, then I highly recommend that you rent the independent film (branded by Lions Gate) "Hard Candy." The movie broaches a situation where an older man, a photographer, contacts a 14 year old girl--a very bright, animated girl who seems especially mature for her age--through instant messager and they begin to playfully flirt. They agree to meet at a diner, and this is where the movie truely begins. The situation may sound like a Dateline-exhausted cliche, but in my opinion, it was anything but.

Although it probably won't be regarded as the best film ever produced, and it isn't, this independent film is simply remarkable and, so far as I can see, has remained woefully unappreciated. It is smart and compelling, yet uncomfortable. Being an independent film, there is an artistic license you just don't see explored as deeply in your average, mass-market movie.

It is also the antithesis of most successful films:

It is in no way fast-moving, and the progression of the story will not be diagrammed out for the viewer through extraneous, obvious dialogue. It does not shy away from the taboo and can get rather gritty, although you won't feel dirty (or at least, I didn't) after watching the film. (That is important to note. Despite the subject matter, it was approached smartly.) It doesn't throw its controversial subject matter in your face in a distasteful "look what I can get away with in my film" sort of way. It has no obvious political or religious message. It does not boast of any terrorists with their fingers on the device that will end the world, nor of any explosions, and hasn't a single car chase. It is not a funny movie. It may make you shift in your seat at times. The film will leave you with few answers, but you probably won't feel robbed of an ending or as though you were being set up for a sequel. (It would be difficult to pull off a sequel.)

By the usual standards of Hollywood, you probably shouldn't enjoy this movie, but will likely find yourself at the end thinking of how well-done the film actually is. You just have to be able to suspend expectations of the above things, which this one movie was better off without. This film was a pleasant suprise; when I first received the recommendation of a friend to see this film, I was dubious, but now I am glad that I rented it on this rainy Saturday. Be advised, however, that if you dislike "psychological thrillers," (not that you have to like them, but be aware if you dislike them) you probably won't enjoy this film. It is also R-rated for good reason. (According to IMDb, the MPAA rating is Rated R for disturbing violent and aberrant sexual content involving a teen, and for language.) While I grew up on R-rated films, this is not one of those films whose subject matter you want to have to explain to an especially alert five year old.

As gritty and uncomfortable as the film might get, it is also beautiful. The lighting, camera angles, and color use was masterful. Each shot seemed to be taken with artistic purpose so that, in spite of what is going on in each scene, be it innocent or disturbing, it could make a very artistically sound photograph. In light of the subject matter, perhaps that is disturbing and ironic?

If you want to get a taste for the movie, I recommend viewing the trailer here, although the trailer hardly does the movie justice and may be a bit deceiving.

It is rare that I go out of the way to recommend a film (since tastes vary so widely), but I figure there are a few of you in my readership for whom this film is within their tastes, and who might appreciate the recommendation for the next time they wander into a rental store without an idea of what to rent. If you're interested, pick up the white DVD featuring a little girl in a red hoodie standing inside of a huge-mouth bear trap.