Hard (film)
| Hard | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | John Huckert |
| Written by | John Huckert John Matkowsky |
| Produced by | John Huckert John Matkowsky Noel Palomaria |
| Starring | Noel Palomaria Malcolm Moorman Charles Lanyer Michael Waite Paula Kay Perry Alex DePedro Bob Hollander Steve Andrews KD Jones Ken Narasaki |
| Cinematography | John Matkowsky |
| Edited by | John Huckert |
| Music by | John Huckert Phil Settle |
Production company | MPH Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $100,000[1] |
Hard is a 1998 American neo-noir crime thriller film directed and co-written by John Huckert. Frequently compared to William Friedkin's 1980 film Cruising,[2][1] the film follows closeted Los Angeles Police Department detective Raymond Vates (Noel Palomaria) as he tries to catch a serial killer (Malcolm Moorman) who preys on male prostitutes.[3][4] The soundtrack prominently includes music by Marilyn Manson,[3] as well as a song by George Michael.[5]
Premiering at the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival,[1] Hard received mixed reviews from critics. The Los Angeles Times described it as one of the best films to screen at Outfest in 1998.[4] The New York Times noted similarities in the story to the Jeffrey Dahmer case and praised Moorman's performance, while criticizing inconsistent screenwriting and performances.[2] Variety published a more critical review, referring negatively to its depictions of graphic violence and sex, even as it credited the film with gay representation.[3]
Cast
- Noel Palomaria as Detective Raymond Vates
- Malcolm Moorman as Jack
- Charles Lanyer as Detective Tom Ellis
- Michael Waite as Andy
- Paula Kay Perry as Bette
- Alex DePedro as Andy Jr.
- Bob Hollander as Captain Foster
- Steve Andrews as Detective Hendrickson
- KD Jones as Detective Jackson
- Ken Narasaki as Detective Chyun
References
- 1 2 3 Morris, Gary (1999). "Return of the Repressed: John Huckert's Hard (1998)". Bright Lights Film Journal. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
- 1 2 Holden, Stephen (March 26, 1999). "FILM REVIEW; Daily Diversions of a Gay Serial Killer". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
- 1 2 3 Harvey, Dennis (June 29, 1998). "Hard". Variety. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
- 1 2 Thomas, Kevin (July 23, 1998). "Slices of Americana, Old and New". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 11, 2026. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
- ↑ Huisman, Mark J. "The Hard Cop". drkrm. Uptown Publications. Archived from the original on July 11, 2026. Retrieved July 11, 2026.
External links
- Hard at IMDb
- Hard on Letterboxd