Paul Schrader’s (1979) is a gritty neo-noir that explores the stark cultural divide between Midwestern religious values and the sleazy underworld of the Los Angeles adult film industry. Plot Overview
The film was shot in actual sex shops, peep shows, and adult studios in late-1970s Los Angeles. Schrader used real adult film industry veterans, such as Bill Margold, to ensure the script's accuracy. Hardcore (1979)
Writer-director Paul Schrader drew inspiration from his own strict Calvinist upbringing and a real-life local scandal involving a missing girl in his hometown. Paul Schrader’s (1979) is a gritty neo-noir that
Schrader was reportedly forced by the studio to change the film's original ending to a more predictable, "Hollywood-style" conclusion. Cast and Key Performances Writer-director Paul Schrader drew inspiration from his own
George C. Scott and Schrader famously clashed. At one point, Scott refused to leave his trailer until Schrader promised he would never direct another film.
Jake VanDorn (George C. Scott), a devout Calvinist businessman from Grand Rapids, Michigan, travels to California after his teenage daughter, Kristen, goes missing during a church youth retreat. After hiring a private investigator (Peter Boyle) who discovers her appearing in an 8mm adult film, VanDorn personally delves into the "hardcore" underworld of L.A. to find and rescue her.
