Dominatio Per Malum

Hard Candy (2006) 8/10

Ellen Page had a small supporting role in X3 as the character who could pass through walls. Even then, she had a certain kind of charisma that allowed her to stand out in a film that had way too many characters. With Hard Candy, Page gets a starring role and establishes herself as an actress to watch with a superb performance that is nothing short of a tour de force. The last time an actress so young made such an impact in movie was when Natalie Portman starred in Leon (1994).

In many ways, the directorial debut of David Slade echoes Roman Polanski’s Death and the Maiden (another one of my favourite films) in terms of structure, and there is even a reference to Polanski in the film, although i’m not sure if that was as a homage or sideswipe to Polanski. In terms of plot, Hard Candy is certainly a refreshing take, with hints of Tape, Sympathy For Lady Vengeance and Death and the Maiden fused into a compact and remarkable whole.

The impressive chemistry between Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson (again, prior to the film, i was totally unfamiliar with Wilson) makes for an explosive cocktail of mental games. The shifting dynamics of power, the unpredictability of Page’s character Haley makes Hard Candy an intense and brilliliant drama. Also notable is the mise en scenes, filmed in vivid colors that make for a compelling backdrop in which this tale of predator and prey takes place. Granted, the revenge motiff of this film, sort of like a teenage version of Sympathy For Lady Vengeance make seem to oversimplify the issue of paedophilia, but nevertheless as a film i would say that i works more often than it does not.

No doubt, as David Slade’s debut film, there are clearly rough edges. About 2/3 into the film, after a particularly squirm-worthy scene for all male audiences, the films narrative starts to crumble a tad, and the ending is no doubt anticlimatic for those expecting more. The entire premise of the script is also quite flaky and Page’s character seems way too omnipotent.

This still leaves the first 2/3 of cinematic brilliance, headlined by Ellen Page’s superlative performance. Only 17 when the film was shot, Ellen Page is phenomenal, and puts in a mesmerizing performance worthy of an Oscar nom at the very least. Equal bits sassy, naive and all things sweet and saccharine, Page can just as easily morph from girly to vindictive dominatrix. It’s a performance that establishes Page as an actress to watch- clearly she has the talent to go far. Patrick Wilson obviously isn’t quite at Page’s level, but nevertheless should be commended for a fine performance. There are times where the audience is almost sympathetic towards him. Both performances literally lift the film above its exploitative premise into an engrossing and riveting film experience.

Essentially this is a film where there are for most intents and purposes only 2 characters onscreen for 95% of the time. It is a very talky film- there is alot of dialogue. It is also disturbing, controversial and, at least for the men, squirmish. There are no big name, no sex, no explosions, no CGI. And yet its one of the best films on the cineplex now. Provocative, nilhilistic, and with a lead performance that is nothing short of Oscar worthy, Hard Candy is the 2nd best film of 2006 i’ve seen so far (the best film thus far being V for Vendetta). So run, not walk to catch the sensational performance of Ellen Page, and the nearly flawless first half. Its well worth your time.

“”Hard Candy” is a psychological thriller as chilling as a cold, serrated blade to the jugular. Combining the unpredictable character dynamics of “Sleuth,” the high-stakes physical menace of “Misery” and the corrosive sexual politics of “Oleanna,” the film is a perfectly cut jewel of tension.”- Colin Covert

“To watch Hard Candy is, at moments, to be very afraid, but the scariest thing about it is the fury of Page’s talent.”- Entertainment Weekly

“Hard Candy heavily relies on the strength of its two actors, since the entire film comprises these two slowly and relentlessly stripping one another bare. And it’s a boon that both stars are quite stellar. Page is fantastic, managing to be both vulnerable and vicious – often simultaneously. And Wilson never defaults to merely playing the victim; he always has more secrets and shame festering under his surface.”- FilmCritic.com