The Human Contract

I didn't really know what to make of this film. It's like one story ends and another one begins, as though the handling of the story/script wasn't given discipline. It's hard to believe this type of story was written by Jada Pinkett, a really good black actress, I admired for years. Clarke's performance, with his flawless yank accent is the only reason to watch this, though the story does get you in, because you wanna see, where it's gonna go. There is a little sex, yes, some nice shots of lingerie thanks to Paz, but I had myself asking "Where is the story going". I actually thought the successful average looking, if dull, Julian (Clarke) with everything ahead of him was being set up by Vega, like in the car with the menois de trois, where the other chick was filming him, where he then bailed, where she was gonna slowly destroy and take over his business, being an old flame and that. I was way off. I should of stayed with my first impression-Vega was just one of those chicks (suicidal), void of restraint for living life on the wild side. Joanna Cassidy, popping up in this as Clarke's messed up mother, added good support. Too, I did like Clarke's short fuse, his anger problems, where between the possibility of facing a prison sentence or losing his job, had him walking a tightrope. All in all, The Human Contract isn't bad, all flaws aside. In the end, yeah, check out how it ends, it's just a time passer, but involving at the time.

Jada Pinkett Smith's writing was already proved, but this title was her directing debut. And a perfect one. If a story writer and director are the same person, and the movie happens to be well done, it usually results in perfect match of content and its visual interpretation, along with depth and the atmosphere. This movie excels in it. The depth of the dialogs and interactions are breath-taking. Acting is outstanding. Cast, scene and music selection are first league as well as camera work and cut. To avoid any spoilers, this movie can offer you a lot - love, passion, rejection, pain, process of dealing with unfortunate events, exposure of vulnerability of people regardless of their social class. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is able to enjoy well played drama and is equipped with ability to compassionate. I'm looking forward for more Jada Pinkett Smith's work.

This intense drama seemed very carefully crafted. Involving the past, the present and the future, the individuals in the movie capture some of the human foibles but suggest a better future. The idea of having a human contract indicates that we can be alone and together with others - most intensely in relationships but also with our work, our family and our time. The primary characters are at the peak of power and living a stylish lifestyle and sexuality needs to be dealt with. The movie does not prescribe but lets the audience draw conclusions. Thinking about the issues of life, sexuality and mortality, the director points the audience into the dark corners but does not do the thinking for the audience. Some will feel deeply uncomfortable as there are no answers. If the film makes you uncomfortable, that might be the point. Or you can feel comfortable with the ambiguity and draw your own conclusions. Great camera work, well casted, intensely acted. The ideas posed that one can control one's own destiny, pick a different path, go to the greatness within. Jealousy, rage, passion, enlightened thought, different choices all thrown in a jumbled salad that I truly enjoyed.

I know no one will probably read this comment, but I had to take the time to write a comment. I truly admire Jada for wanting to do her thing, but this movie was not it. My husband and I watched this movie and are still left with trying to figure out what the heck she was trying to go with this movie. Yes it was dark, but dark with too much contrast and not enough to balance it out. All we got was dark very very little explanation of why the characters TRULY were the way they were. We all have secrets and locked closets, but to tell a story and not delve more into the psyche of the characters is irresponsible. The best books are written with the intent for us to relate to the character(s). Every movie starts as a book and this was not a good one. I feel as if the characters were developed more it could have and would have been a much better story. I still don't get Jada's part in the movie. An undeveloped story gives you unnecessary characters. I expected more from Jada because she has a lot of talent. This movie just didn't show it.

Do you understand Quantum Mechanics?

Do you understand the Big Bang Theory?

Do you understand Nano Technology?

If so, you will still NEVER understand why Michael (Paz Vega, hot model) would EVER talk to or even look at the douche-bag Julian. EVER. He is such a jerk & slim ball he is under anyone's radar on human interaction. Where are serial killers when you need them to dispatch of this dirt bag. Julian has no human characteristic whatsoever that you would want to interact with him on any level. Cleaning dirt from under your toe nails would be much more entertaining.

Writer hint for next movie: Don't create a character that has absolutely no screen charm whatsoever. Avoid total selfish characters with boring attributes.

See Julian suffer. See Julian pine for a girl in a one night fling. See Julian hit a guy. See Julian hit a woman. See Julian as a total dip stick. (other words prohibited)

GUIDE TO MOVIE:

Get remote. Check batteries. Watch Paz Vega. Fast forward 30X to next Paz Vega scene. Watch Paz. REPEAT till end of movie.