Hardcore | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Paul Schrader |
Written by | Paul Schrader |
Produced by | Buzz Feitshans |
Starring | |
Cinematography | Michael Chapman |
Edited by | Tom Rolf |
Music by | Jack Nitzsche |
Production company | A-Team Productions |
Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 108 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Hardcore is a 1979 American neo-noir thriller crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader. [1] The film stars George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, Season Hubley, and Dick Sargent. Its plot follows a conservative Midwestern businessman whose teenage daughter goes missing in California. With the help of a prostitute, his search leads him into the illicit subculture of pornography, including snuff films.
Schrader had previously written the screenplay for Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver (1976), and began developing Hardcore with executive producer John Milius the same year for Warner Bros. After Warner bought out Schrader's contract and took control of the project, Warren Beatty became attached as the star and producer of the film. Clashes between Beatty and Schrader resulted in Beatty dropping out of the production, after which Scott was cast in the lead role. The film was shot on location in several California cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, as well as in Schrader's hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Hardcore was released in February 1979 by Columbia Pictures.