Hard is a 1998 American neo-noir crime thriller film directed and co-written by John Huckert. Frequently compared to William Friedkin's 1980 film Cruising, the film follows closeted Los Angeles Police Department detective Raymond Vates (Noel Palomaria) as he tries to catch a serial killer (Malcolm Moorman) who preys on male prostitutes. The soundtrack prominently includes music by Marilyn Manson, as well as a song by George Michael.
Premiering at the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Hard received mixed reviews from critics. The Los Angeles Times described it as one of the best films to screen at Outfest in 1998. The New York Times noted similarities in the story to the Jeffrey Dahmer case and praised Moorman's performance, while criticizing inconsistent screenwriting and performances. Variety published a more critical review, referring negatively to its depictions of graphic violence and sex, even as it credited the film with gay representation.
Cast Noel Palomaria as Detective Raymond Vates Malcolm Moorman as Jack Charles Lanyer as Detective Tom Ellis Michael Waite as Andy Paula Kay Perry as Bette Alex DePedro as Andy Jr. Bob Hollander as Captain Foster Steve Andrews as Detective Hendrickson KD Jones as Detective Jackson Ken Narasaki as Detective Chyun
References
External links
Hard on Letterboxd