Hard Candy takes an idea that has become the subject of a million warnings since the introduction of the internet, and turns it on its head. The film is extremely brave in the way that the subject matter is handled, and it constantly tackles unpleasant themes head on. I really don't associate this type of film with modern cinema, and so Hard Candy deserves high praise for daring to go where so many films these days dare not. Unfortunately, the story doesn't quite come together as well as it could have done, but it is difficult to juggle so many themes and what we do have here is a tense and traumatic film that brilliantly gets the audience into the heads of both of the main characters. The film begins by showing an internet conversation in which two people - a teenage girl and an older man - agree to meet in a café. The girl comes on strong, and she ends up inviting herself back to the man's apartment after he tells her that he has an mp3 from a Goldfrapp concert. However, the girl has an ulterior motive, and pretty soon their traditional roles are reversed as she takes control of the situation.
The way that director David Slade builds tension is extremely impressive, and the central set-piece is likely to result in a lot of chewed fingernails and ground down teeth in audience members. The focus on the characters and their actions become rather skewed during this period and I actually found myself feeling sorry for the paedophile. This may well be the point of the film, however; as several things are left wide open, leaving the audience members to make their mind up about which actions are right, and Hard Candy definitely succeeds in making its audience members think. Of course, it would be practically impossible for the director to put a slant on the film that would completely satisfy everyone, but what we do have here is a film that makes a point in a way that is a lot more poignant than many more critically acclaimed films. As a thriller, the film works extremely well also; as mentioned, Hard Candy is extremely gripping at its best moments, and I don't think I've completely 'gotten into' a modern film this much for some time. I can't say this film is for everyone; but Hard Candy is very nearly a complete success, and I recommend everyone at least give it a go.
The way that director David Slade builds tension is extremely impressive, and the central set-piece is likely to result in a lot of chewed fingernails and ground down teeth in audience members. The focus on the characters and their actions become rather skewed during this period and I actually found myself feeling sorry for the paedophile. This may well be the point of the film, however; as several things are left wide open, leaving the audience members to make their mind up about which actions are right, and Hard Candy definitely succeeds in making its audience members think. Of course, it would be practically impossible for the director to put a slant on the film that would completely satisfy everyone, but what we do have here is a film that makes a point in a way that is a lot more poignant than many more critically acclaimed films. As a thriller, the film works extremely well also; as mentioned, Hard Candy is extremely gripping at its best moments, and I don't think I've completely 'gotten into' a modern film this much for some time. I can't say this film is for everyone; but Hard Candy is very nearly a complete success, and I recommend everyone at least give it a go.