The Human Contract (2008) Movie Review, Trailer, Film Still and Poster

USA 2008
Director: Jada Pinkett Smith
Cast: Jason Clarke, Paz Vega, Idris Elba, T.J. Thyne, Joanna Cassidy, Steven Brand, Jada Pinkett Smith
Rating: R
Release Date: 28 October 2008
Running Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

The Movie Review

The Human Contract film still 1


The HUMAN CONTRACT
Storyline:
Cast:
Ending:
Overall:

Should critics go easy one a person who shot his movie for the first time? I think they should. But should general moviegoers cut that green director some slack? It's up to you, but I knew I wouldn't care for that guy if I spend my money on something confusing. The Human Contract is something very confusing, something that will appeal only to those interested in human behaviour, to those studying some acting classes or to those who live a big city and lead busy 9-to-5 life. For others, skip the movie, unless you're a big fan of Paz Vega.

The Human Contract opens with a scene of conversation between a young executive named Julian (Jason Clarke) and a very gorgeous and seductive woman named Michael (Paz Vega). Then the movie revolves around Julian and his top of the world career in his office. But he's seemingly having a hard time in getting close to other people. Aside from being extremely uptight, Julian seems to value everything only from money point of view. And he's also currently facing divorce from his wife.

But at one night, when driving alone, he catches the glimpse of Michael again who is on her way to see a frankenstein movie in a cemetary. They bond much closer now though Michael seems to disclose something from Julian and Julian is also hiding something in his dark room. Who are these people really? And what will happen in their relationship?

This is Jada Pinkett Smith's directorial debut, no wonder we see Will Smith name as the executive producer. She's also starring as Tracy and she's given good-to-great performance as a troubled woman (Julian's sister, Rita). But as a director, she has much more to learn, although this movie is far from being awful. I guess what hinders the most for the viewers to enjoy is the story. It doesn't go anywhere satisfying enough or conclusive enough, basically the end gives you open interpretation. There's one weird thing ---which I think most people will hate it--- is the characterization. It can be said nothing is sugar-coated in this movie in terms of human behavior. No one is too sweet and no one is too annoying. Both lead cast are depicting everyday people, or more precisely city people. I guess if you live in the city and have experienced many relationship with other adult person, you know that both Julian and Michael are highly believable human characters. Although their actions may be too obscure for some viewers and somehow the writer (also Jada Pinkett Smith) doesn't dare to step on the field of erotic thriller as everything feels restricted. Although we could still Paz Vega in a very enticing lingerie. But from story-wise, it's still rather confusing.

Do you need to study human behavior? Can you cope with unsympathetic characters? Can you stand the Un-cheerful tone of the movie? If you can, there's definitely something good in terms of Drama for you to 'enjoy'.