The Afternoon of Extravagant Delights

Candy (2006) is one of my favorite films that not many people have seen. Adapted from Luke Davies semi-autobiographical novel, the movie deals with young love, drug addiction and relationships in a searing  and heart-breaking way. Candy, played by Abbie Cornish, whose easy beauty is stunning even in the depths of addiction or withdrawal, is a young painter. Heath Ledger plays Dan, Candy's lover and eventual husband. Dan is a would-be poet who does everything with the best of intentions but always seems to fail miserably. Candy and Dan are young and in love. They are also heroin addicts.

The movie is broken into three sections - Heaven, Earth, Hell. As the drugs begin to define the relationship more and more, things go from wild abandon and extravagant delight to painful and sad. The movie does not say anything new about drug addiction. As far as that goes, perhaps Half-Nelson and Requiem for a Dream are better. However, Candy is an affecting and surprisingly touching film that always leaves me a bit stunned when it is over. I like raw, gritty portrayals of relationships and this film fits in that category.

Ledger's characterization of a shambling, hopeless junkie is so good that it is hard not to root for him to succeed even as he vacillates from loser to lovable hero throughout the film. Deep down Dan believes that he ruined this precious girl's life and he blames himself - yet he is totally devoted to her. After Candy sells herself for the first time to score some drug money, Dan's facial expressions say more than most actors can portray with a 90-minute dialogue. Cornish keeps pace with his performance. Her character goes through so many transformations and she makes it all flow and feel very real.

The writing for this movie is sharp but could be considered a bit melodramatic were it not for the excellent directing and acting (I should also mention that Geoffrey Rush plays a charming, paternal - though ethically ambivalent -  Chemistry professor). Candy's poem, written during the beginning of her psychotic break that Dan is wholly unable to comprehend, is one of those cinematic moments that has stayed with me over years and never ceases to affect me.

After the opening scene, this movie never lets up. It continues tragically down the path of two lives being lost. The ending is sad in a very real and inevitable way. Candy and Dan's love is as pleasurable as the heroin. But does it eventually become as destructive?



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Jeffrey, I'm glad you posted your 2008 list. It has been interesting to read John and Brandon's responses. If I had to pick my favorite movie from that year, I would probably go with Wendy and Lucy. I know, I know, there were some other great films. But that one hit me the hardest. I have watched Synecdoche, New York twice. It was enjoyable both times. I would love to hear more of what you have to say about it as I am sure it would open up some new insights for me. It was one of those films that I watched and then had to immediately go for a run to think about (I run when I'm confused, depressed or trying to work through a problem, which is often. At least it keeps me in good shape). I'll likely need to see it again (and probably again and again) before I can really put it together.

I agree with John about The Fall - the story holds up on its own. I really, really liked that film. I also agree with him about The Dark Knight. However, we part ways with Let the Right One In.

Lisa, hope you're enjoying FL. Are you done with work now? You're right, it was in 2007 when I had my wisdom teeth out and spent a week taking vicodin and watching Twin Peaks. Those two go well together. I have watched the series twice since then. I find it to be the perfect thing to watch around late-October/early-November. I'm kind of with you on The Fighter. I'm not entirely sure why as I like the director and love Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Come on, how can one not like Christian Bale? Maybe you'll change your mind once you see The New World.
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Has anyone seen the music video for Lady Gaga's song Born This Way? Lady Gaga never really interested me. However, my friend Melissa does interest me and she loves Lady Gaga and keeps me up-to-date (well, kind of) on Mother Monster. Right, anyway, you should all watch her new video. I find it interesting and I think you will appreciate some of the inspirations in the script, which she wrote herself.



Ok, off to bed. Might actually make it down before 1am tonight, which would be a great accomplishment. I have a long day of writing about libraries in Soviet-influenced Mongolia tomorrow.