Review of Hard Candy (2005) by Legitsalt — 27 May 2018

I was not so sure about this movie at first. I really appreciated the shots and film techniques, but it left an unsettling feeling in me after I had turned the TV off. After having re-evaluated the movie, I can say that I appreciate the movie, and recognize what it was going for.

As such I will give this movie credit for where credit is due. As such, this is an intense and visually pleasing movie. The scene transitions were very well done, giving off the effect of being transported throughout the house.

The handheld film was used sparingly, but effectively throughout this piece, becoming more abundant as Haley seemed to lost control. The story has a very interesting arc, that almost has you sympathizing with a person who might be a pedophilic murderer.

Other than some of the deliveries that were more so cringy or misplaced, I felt that the dialogue felt vaguely natural and realistic. Haley really steals the show in this piece, truly capturing an immense emotional range, and portraying a troubled person.

Another interesting thing about this film is that, for a majority of the film, we are experiencing things from Jeff's side. This is part of what makes Haley so scary and Jeff sympathetic. Furthermore, this can be seen in such shots wherein we get an extreme close up of Jeff sweating as he is recounting tales of his 'childhood'.

I don't exactly recommend this film, but if you enjoy intense unnerving movie-going experiences, then feel free to go an watch this one. Not my cup of tea.