The Human Contract (2008)

A successful corporate type harboring a deep, dark secret befriends a free-spirited stranger who encourages him to ditch his stuffy lifestyle and live life in reckless abandon.

Director:

Jada Pinkett Smith

Writer:

Jada Pinkett Smith

Stars:

Jason Clarke, Paz Vega, Idris Elba

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jason Clarke	...	Julian Wright
Paz Vega	...	Michael
Idris Elba	...	Larry
T.J. Thyne	...	Greg
Joanna Cassidy	...	Rose
Steven Brand	...	Boyd
Jada Pinkett Smith	...	Rita
Ted Danson	...	E.J Winters
Anne Ramsay	...	Cheryl
Tava Smiley	...	Brenda
Karl Makinen	...	Tony
William Abadie	...	Joseph
Daniel Escobar	...	Seth
Nicole Muirbrook	...	Thalia (as Nicole Muirbrook Wagner)
Kenneth Dolin	...	Mr. Stealth

Storyline

Locked doors, and the monster inside us. In L.A., tightly-wound Julian Wright is separated. He meets Michael, she's seductive and uninhibited; by chance, a few days later they connect. The PR firm where he's creative director is competing to be bought by a household name (think Proctor & Gamble); winning will bring money, status, and a big ad budget. His firm's win depends on both his ideas and his maintaining traditional values; so, he puts his divorce on hold. His family adds problems: childhood memories and his sister's abusive husband threaten his balance. His fuse is short. Will self control hold obsession and fury in check, or is Michael the spark that will start a conflagration?

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Plot Keywords:

divorce | childhood memory | abusive husband | voyeur | vomiting | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, language and violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

French English

Release Date:

18 March 2010 (Israel)

Also Known As:

Bajo la piel

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Overbrook Entertainment, Tycoon Entertainment, 100% Womon

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the cemetery scene there is a grave marker with the name Makaveli and the dates 1971-1996 on it. This is a tribute to Director/Writer Jada Pinkett Smith's close friend and rapper/actor Tupac Shakur whom she knew since they were young adults.

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Goofs

when Julian shows his mother clippings and photos from the past she removes her glasses as he starts to speak. She removes them again in the next camera angle but in another angle the glasses are back on.

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Quotes

Julian Wright: I have never believed I deserve to be loved. But now I see that everything I've ever wanted has always been right in front of me. I've been the only thing standing in my way. But no more. No more.

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Soundtracks

Human Contract End Credits Closing Theme
(uncredited)
Written by Anthony Marinelli, Taylor Graves and Cameron Graves
Performed by Willow Smith
Produced by Anthony Marinelli & Clint Bennett

User Reviews

Surprise high quality European style dark drama.

Not knowing anything about cast or director helped me truly enjoy this film, I had no pre conceived ideas or expectations. Except for a few not fully explained issues, the main plot and non conventional story take you to an original situation where freedom, anguish, pain, and a chance for liberation clash incessantly. This movie is not for the standard American public, I can predict it will be very well received in other parts of the world with more sophisticated film tastes. The chemistry between both lead actors is electrifying, the continuous tension keeps your attention fixed. Not knowing how the story will end keeps you guessing multiple outcomes. The sexual encounters are realistic and totally appropriate.