There’s no way around it, Candy
is a depressing film. You’ll want to lock the noose away in the
cupboard after watching it, that’s for sure. Considering the subject of
the film though – young lovers who succumb to a life of hard drugs –
you’d expect nothing less. Not if the film was going to ring true at
all, anyway. Abbie Cornish (most recently seen in the Russell Crowe comeback flick A Good Year)
plays the title character, and Ledger plays her mixed-up loser
boyfriend, Dan. Together, they’re experiencing the world of drugs
together. Living such a rancid lifestyle comes with a price though –
and in Candy and Dan’s case, it’s both a financial adversity, and
ultimately, a tragic corporeal mauling, that starts off the downfall. Frankly,
I was ready to write this off as merely an Australian version of a film
done plenty of times by our comrades - and admittedly, some of our best
films are merely locally made variations on Hollywood films – in the
states (think Rush or Requiem for a Dream),
but when the realisation sinks in that you’re wedged in the sinking
boat with these characters, and become desperate to reach out to help,
it’s clear you’re linked to what’s going on on-screen. Of course,
it helps that the film encompasses some of the best - and most
uninhibited - performances you’re likely to see from an Australian
ensemble this year – most notably, the unforgettable turns by “it” kids
Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish. Not for a minute do Ledger or Cornish
come across anything other than convincing. Their performances are
nothing short of amazing – bleached with emotion, routed from the gut
out. In addition, the folks surrounding the duo are as equally commanding. Tony Martin (no, not the radio jock, the former Heartbreak High and E Street
regular) shines as Candy’s vexed father, in a turn that’s nothing less
than many-sided greatness, and analogous to his iconic performance as
Neddy Smith in the fabbo mini-series Blue Murder. As his wife, and Candy’s mother, Comeback queen Noni Hazelhust (seen recently in Little Fish)
is as equally as credible as the unyielding, but flustered parent whose
outwardly convinced from the start that if Dan had not entered their
daughters life, she would be fine. And most notably, if only
because it’s such a different kind of role for him, Geoffrey Rush gives
an immerse turn as Dan’s homosexual friend when-in-need (of a quick
fix, cash advance or bed for the night), Casper, whose on a downward
spiral of his own. Having said that, you have seen it all before
on film, and many will find some of it a bit stale, but then again,
even from the outset, this was never going to be a film to entertain or
enjoy anyway, but more something to both endure – in a good way – and
appreciate. Most of all though, it serves as a grave aide memoire of
just how unmatched both humans and hard drugs are. Get high on film, not crack, as we continue to appreciate the unanticipated comeback boom of the solid Aussie film. EXTRAS Not
to bad this one, with an Audio commentary with director Neil Armfield
and writer Luke Davies as well as a good dose of Deleted scenes,
Interviews with director Neil Armfield and writer Luke Davies.
Theres
also a featurette "Writing on the Wall: Candy's Poem in Motion" which
is superb - apart from that - you've also got your stock standard
trailer and picture galleries. Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 55%
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