Paige Evans: Analysis of Candy

Having never truly cared for the actor, Heath Ledger I was hesitant about viewing “Candy”, one of his most recent films concerning substance abuse. Candy differs from films such as Requiem for a Dream, Spun, Trainspotting and Drugstore Cowboy by diving into a much deeper story about love rather than a story for love of drugs. You do however find yourself frustrated with the characters. Asking, how someone can be so passionate, crave so badly, choose to tackle such bizarre obstacles for a temporary head change?

This movie has a realistic portrayal of a typical junkie’s behavior, not shy of deceit, betrayal and selfishness. Clever scams are planned and put into action by Heath Ledger’s character Dan. I admit that I subconsciously cheered for Dan who throughout the entire film until the last twenty minutes is very much the antagonist. I imagined the Dan who stumbled into a much different lifestyle, I saw him as the ideal all-Australian boy, well-groomed, athletic, intelligent, outstanding ACT scores, etc.

I safely assumed, if it wasn’t for the impaired judgment due to heroin, or lack there of, that he would have settled into employment rather than allow his girlfriend Candy (played by newcomer Abbie Cornish) to prostitute herself in order to provide for both their bad habits. He would have overlooked the stranger’s wallet carelessly placed inside the unlocked vehicle. He would have patiently and gladly socialized with his in-laws instead of sneaking off to the bathroom to get high on his wedding day. He wouldn’t have pawned all of his and Candy’s belongings for a small amount of money.

Somehow through Neil Armfield’s beautiful cinematography I couldn’t help but be tempted, myself, to experiment with the character’s drug of choice. In the opening scene you’re drawn to the playful nature of a youthful relationship. The two main characters Candy and Dan swirl in a gravity defying science project at a local museum. With all smiles, laughter and innocent touching I was immediately envious of their companionship. Absolutely everything is a pleasure to the senses. Whether its Candy’s golden locks, lime green schoolgirl sundress or Dan’s adorable smile the details in the characterization are simply mesmerizing.

There are several daytime scenes shot of the couple swimming or lounging by the pool. In which, you are allured by rippling water, bubbles and the sun casting its rays that dance on the water and cause Candy’s already stunningly blonde hair to be almost blinding. Scenes of the couple at the peak of their high are very dreamlike, putting the viewer into a very subdued state of mind. The very drawn out low bass and piano music in the background alone could make me comatose.

Along with the enticing characters, brilliant plot, wonderful cinematography and a score that justifies the heavy weight of each scene the poetic dialogue really tips off the beauty of this film. I couldn’t possibly try to explain how wonderfully the dialogue flows along in the film without you, the reader, making your own observations by watching the film yourself. Instead I will show you a poem that is read in a voice over by Dan during one of the pool scenes:

“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows

Here is the root of the root

And the bud of the bud

In the sky of the sky

In the tree called life

When I first met candy

Birds filled the sky

We wanted to share absolutely everything…

We found the secret glue that held all things together…”

Heath Ledger certainly proved me wrong. He had me convinced that he was in fact an overly anxious junkie. I don’t recall any scenes where I questioned if Dan was actually “high”.

I had never heard of the Australian actress Abbie Cornish before watching the film. The chemistry that she and Heath Ledger share is undeniable. One particular scene comes to mind in which the couple is attempting to come off their physical dependency of heroin due to Candy’s unexpected pregnancy. While Dan and Candy battle the overwhelmingly brutal physical and mental strain I felt as if I was lying there next to them, the three of us soaking the sheets from cold sweats. The realism of the scene is disturbing. It left me choked on tears and terribly nauseated.

Lastly, I must mention Geoffrey Rush’s character Casper who unfortunately has such a small role, but as always is fantastically performed. With mostly memorable dialogue as the real key to Casper, for example: “Everything is alright, isn’t it? Being so new to the path of wild abandonment… When you can stop, you don’t want to. When you want to stop, you can’t…” Maybe it’s because I’ve experienced something similar thus connecting me in a much deeper sense. But the very first time I heard that line it provoked such great chills I felt it completely summed up the entire film for me. I then was able to answer those questions I had in the beginning.