Hardcore (1979)

Hardcore (released in the UK as The Hardcore Life) is a 1979 American neo-noir thriller crime drama film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, Season Hubley, and Dick Sargent. The 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, who had previously written the screenplay for Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver (1976), 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. However, creative clashes between Beatty and Schrader led to Beatty's departure from the production. Following this, 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. It was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 29th Berlin International Film Festival. Upon its initial release, the film received somewhat mixed reviews, but retrospective assessments have been more positive.