Hard Candy - 4 out of 5 doctors think I am insane

Watched the relatively obscure movie yesterday. Had been wanting to watch it for a while and was actually contemplating getting the DVD coz I was almost sure it would not be screened here. Anyway, it came…..THANK GOD!

It was screened at one of the smallest halls at LIDO, and there were like less than 10 of us watching including me and my friend. Geee……..such a pity coz it is definitely one of the most intense movies I have watched this year.

Story:
14-yr old Hayley meets 32-yr old Jeff over internet and soon arrange to meet up at the local joint Nighthawks. Jeff lures Hayley to his home in a remote location. As it turns out, Jeff is a pedophile. Well, the run of the mill type of plot stops here. Hayley drugs Jeff, ties him up, castrates him and forces Jeffrey to hang himself in twisted plot of events.

Hayley, looking as innocent as can be

The entire movie has like……5 actors/actresses. Besides Ellen Page (who plays Hayley) and Patrick Wilson (Jeff), the remaining 3 actors/actress have a total air time of about 10 minutes cumulatively. 90% of the movie was shot in Jeff’s home – living room, bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. There was like 2-3 costume changes for Hayley and none for Jeff (well, if you consider stripping down a costume change, maybe 2)

Cinematography has a really raw feel to it, but I thought this brought out the creepy and sinister mood of the entire movie, especially the scenes Hayley went berserk.

The plot itself is simple and frankly there were some loopholes here and there, but the solid performance by Ellen Page more than made up for any shortfalls. If there is one single compelling reason to watch this movie, it must be Ellen Page. The movie’s 2-man theatrical play between Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson is probably one of the most intriguing, gripping and brutal for a long time to come. Trust me – Ellen Page is in the room!

(the movie’s finest moments…..2-man dialogue between Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson)

Hard Candy is a rare movie and despite the many loopholes in the plot, just watching the 2 main characters parry with each other is simply tantalizing. A feeling of creepiness enveloped me throughout the movie. Who do I root for in the end? Jeff the pedophile or Hayley the self- righteous teenager? Its fascinating coz at one point you will be moved to sympathize with Jeff - no man should have to be put through this type of ordeal. Although no blood or knives are actually shown, the castration scene will almost be unwatchable to some, I suppose. And yet, you want Hayley to get away with all she has done, you want her to continue her life as if nothing has happened. The movie's ability to evoke these type of mixed emotions in the audience gives it a strange power. There are no good guys or bad guys anymore. No evil versus goodness. Its fascinating.

Easily missed out among all the big budget block busters – this is a real gem. And Ellen Page – look out for her!