Watch Hardcore

Hardcore is a 1979 drama-thriller film directed by Paul Schrader, written by Schrader and his brother Leonard, and starring George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, and Season Hubley. The movie follows the story of Jake Van Dorn (Scott), a devoutly religious and successful businessman who hires a private investigator when his teenage daughter Kristen (Ilah Davis) goes missing during a trip to California.

Van Dorn's search for his daughter leads him into the seedy underworld of pornography and prostitution in Los Angeles. His journey takes him through strip clubs, porno theaters, and red-light districts as he tries to find any clues to Kristen's whereabouts. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including Niki (Season Hubley), a high-end prostitute, and Andy Mast (Peter Boyle), a sleazy private detective who helps him on his quest.

The film explores themes of faith, morality, and the corruption of innocence. Van Dorn's staunch religious beliefs clash with the pornographic and hedonistic world he finds himself in, and the film portrays the damaging effect of pornography and the exploitation of women in the industry. Van Dorn's quest becomes an obsession, and he is forced to confront his own beliefs and values as he delves deeper into the murky world of adult entertainment.

George C. Scott delivers a stellar performance as Van Dorn, capturing the character's desperation and single-minded determination. Scott's intensity and gravitas lend weight to the film's themes, and he manages to convey the character's inner turmoil without ever seeming melodramatic. Season Hubley is equally impressive as Niki, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have been a mere stereotype. Peter Boyle, too, is excellent as Andy Mast, infusing the character with both sleaze and a surprising amount of empathy.

The film is beautifully shot, with Schrader's direction creating a sense of unease and tension throughout. The seedy locations are captured in a way that is both realistic and stylized, with the use of stark lighting and Dutch angles contributing to the film's noirish feel.

Hardcore is not an easy film to watch. It is gritty, explicit, and unflinching in its portrayal of the adult entertainment industry. However, it is also a powerful and thought-provoking piece of cinema that raises important questions about morality, faith, and the exploitation of women. Schrader's script is engaging and intelligent, and his direction is confident and assured.

Overall, Hardcore is a bleak and uncompromising look at the dark side of humanity, but it is also a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that tackles complex themes with skill and nuance. It is a must-see for fans of gritty 70s cinema, and for anyone interested in exploring the complicated relationship between faith and morality.

Hardcore is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 63.