Hardcore (1979)

84% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
65% of users liked it
(2,067 ratings)

"Oh my God, that's my daughter." So read the advertising copy of Hardcore. George C. Scott plays Jake Van Dorn, a man of means and conservative values who discovers that his precious daughter is appearing in X-rated films. Desperately making his way through the sub-rosa world of pornography, Van… More "Oh my God, that's my daughter." So read the advertising copy of Hardcore. George C. Scott plays Jake Van Dorn, a man of means and conservative values who discovers that his precious daughter is appearing in X-rated films. Desperately making his way through the sub-rosa world of pornography, Van Dorn talks to pimps, prostitutes, and other such sterling individuals in hopes of locating his daughter and dragging her home. At one point, he falsely advertises himself as a porn producer in hopes that his little girl will show up for an interview. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Paul Schrader
Written By: Paul Schrader
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1979 Wide
On DVD: Sep 14, 2004

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Hardcore is a softcore porn film that needed to be hardcore to have street cred as a believable investigative film about the porn industry.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
A big throbbing stress-headache of a movie, but you won't be able to turn it off.
Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
Though Hardcore's so-called gritty images do have the power to disturb, it's because we're intrinsically aware of their psychic scourge on the hero
Victoria Alexander, FilmsInReview.com
Schrader;s gritty NYC runaway thriller.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
Strong internal drama.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Hardcore is a vivid and convincing parable about the dangers of spiritual pride.
Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World
Scott gives a terrific performance

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A good thriller, very dramatic and cool, it really feels like the end of the 70s.
Michael S

I can`t believe this has become so forgotten. It`s a great film and C. Scott gives one of his best performances.
Alec B

I felt that a lot of it was Paul Schrader rehashing 'Taxi Driver', only with a more stable protagonist. That shouldn't suggest that its bad, as I think it convincingly captures a fathers decent into moral despair and violent aggression over his daughter's… More
I felt that a lot of it was Paul Schrader rehashing 'Taxi Driver', only with a more stable protagonist. That shouldn't suggest that its bad, as I think it convincingly captures a fathers decent into moral despair and violent aggression over his daughter's disappearance. The great performances of George C. Scott and Peter Boyle are another nice touch.
Patrick D

To put it one way: It's Alice in Wonderland if Alice dove head first in the rabbit hole. Then say she gets rather involved as wonderland build to a frothy boil only for the eggs of the salad sandwich to taste kind of upsetting. There's really few things wrong with this film,… More
To put it one way: It's Alice in Wonderland if Alice dove head first in the rabbit hole. Then say she gets rather involved as wonderland build to a frothy boil only for the eggs of the salad sandwich to taste kind of upsetting. There's really few things wrong with this film, everything including Jack Nitzsche's score, the production design, the acting, on and on, it really outstanding. Of course the time this film was made (1979) is outstanding also, but it's all part of the flair.
James B

This shit is crazy!
Christopher B

Disturbing flick with great performances. Schrader don't need no Scorcese to make a classic.