Any fan of Patrick Wilson simply MUST see the film Hard Candy. And I'm not talking about those of you that are fans of his portrayal of Raoul in the Phantom of the Opera. I'm talking to the true fans out there that have seen and loved Angels in America, the Alamo, etc, and can appreciate the diversity and depth he displays with each role.
This film is a very difficult one. I won't lie. You all know what the basic story is about, and it's hard to imagine how any actor that has barely a foot in the door of Hollywood would choose a film that is so controversial, and unnerving. The fact is that Hard Candy is well-written, and amazingly acted. The story isn't that difficult to believe, if you are willing to accept that a 14 year old girl can be so diabolical. Hayley, played to perfection by newcomer Ellen Page, is not an ordinary teenager, and she is anything but a victim in this film.
Without giving away anything important to the story, I will simply say that this disturbing nature of this film is purely psychological. You see nothing "inappropriate", and the conversations between Jeff and Hayley stay within the realm of decent.
The bottom line is that Hard Candy is a terrific film, that will make you think, and wonder, and ponder, and question, and discuss long after you leave the theater. I saw it in Park City two months ago, and I'm still questioning the outcome. To me, that is the mark of an exceptional film.
This film is a very difficult one. I won't lie. You all know what the basic story is about, and it's hard to imagine how any actor that has barely a foot in the door of Hollywood would choose a film that is so controversial, and unnerving. The fact is that Hard Candy is well-written, and amazingly acted. The story isn't that difficult to believe, if you are willing to accept that a 14 year old girl can be so diabolical. Hayley, played to perfection by newcomer Ellen Page, is not an ordinary teenager, and she is anything but a victim in this film.
Without giving away anything important to the story, I will simply say that this disturbing nature of this film is purely psychological. You see nothing "inappropriate", and the conversations between Jeff and Hayley stay within the realm of decent.
The bottom line is that Hard Candy is a terrific film, that will make you think, and wonder, and ponder, and question, and discuss long after you leave the theater. I saw it in Park City two months ago, and I'm still questioning the outcome. To me, that is the mark of an exceptional film.