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.

Julian Wright (Jason Clarke) is a successful, if overworked, marketing specialist, who is unable to cope with several events from his past. Emotionally distanced he lost his wife to his friend and is currently contemplating signing the divorce papers. With his love life in tatters he focuses entirely on his job with a big pay rise and new office on the horizon. That is until he meets Michael (Paz Vega), a sexually charged immigrant with an overdose of charm and chaos (like Amelia on crack). Almost an erotic thriller, much in the vein of "9 and 1/2 Weeks", although with the slight twist that Paz takes on the role of Mickey Rourke.

I seldom tend to gift a movie more than it's general rating on IMDb, but I for one am completely sold by a very witty, well developed script with fairly deep underlying psychological commentary. I do understand some of the issues with the movie. First of them would be the main characters. Both Julian and Michael (however much eye-candy she may be) are severely unlikeable leads, but given that both have deep emotional issues I find their dysfunctionality rather appealing and warranted. This may cause a lot of negativity towards the movie due to the inability to form a connection between the viewer and the characters, but once you gloss over this and delve into the story it can be quite rewarding. The relationship between Michael and his family, friends as well as Paz is thoroughly believable, even if we fail to grow warm to them.

"The Human Contract" probably should have also had more focus around the main issue of contention: Michael. The addition of the family context was well warranted, if unevenly scripted, especially in the final act, where the movie does unforgivably falter and the resolution is appallingly done (acted, scripted and directed). Almost as if Jada Pinkett Smith had no idea how to finish the movie off nicely and concocted up a poor filler in which neither she not any of her crew had any faith in. Hence the unfitting hack-job to cap off some really inspirational filmmaking. Also some of the characters and situations seem superfluous and detrimental. In regards to this one big irk is the lack of resolution to Julian's marketing contract, which seems like a key part of the movie, but fails to be closed (it suddenly and inexcusably drops out of the story) by the end credits.

Nonetheless the dialogue is crisp and cerebral, while the direction is assured. All in all some very important elements for great filmmaking, but just needs to work a bit on some of the rough spots in the movie.

For those interested the movie does offer some great erotic scenes with real tension and memorable build-up - something that I haven't seen in cinema for quite some time.

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.

First let me say Paz as Michael was fantastic, great casting. She looks like Penelope Cruz but much hotter. As for the film, its the perfect example of a good bad movie. Parts of it are good, like the main characters, acting, dialogue and if the rumors are true the sex scenes mimics Will & Jada's alleged open marriage. Now for the bad part, the plot is 4-play without the sex & even at its climax at best its blah. Also the big secret thats finally revealed is such a let down, you see it coming the minute its introduced its like someone telling you the guy with the bloody gloves & knife is the killer. With all that said its a watchable film.

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.