Candy

Review by Clint Morris

Like the sugar-tainted confectionery itself, the latest big Aussie contender is, I suppose, rather sweet. On the other hand, it’s as far from a cluster of Allen’s snakes or a handful of sticky Minties as could be, resembling more a sour worm – tasty, sure, but something that definitely leaves you with a somewhat unsolicited aftertaste.

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 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.

3.5 out of 5

Candy
Australian release: 25th May, 2006
Cast: Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish, Tony Martin, Geoffrey Rush, Noni Hazelhurst
Director: Neil Armfield
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