“The Skin 1981″ is a surreal, provocative and disturbing story of a man who sheds his skin to reveal his innermost thoughts and desires. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the darkness that lies within us all. It’s a haunting and visceral masterpiece that will leave you questioning your own humanity.”
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Review
In the world of cinema, there are certain movies that leave their mark on us long after we’ve seen them. “The Skin” is one such movie. The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is an adaptation of a novel of the same name by Michel Faber. Released in 2013, “The Skin” tells the story of an alien who comes to Earth with the intention of eating humans.
The film follows the character of Isserley, played by Scarlett Johansson. Isserley poses as a seductive hitchhiker who lures unsuspecting men into her van. Once inside, she incapacitates them and sends them off to her home planet where they are used as food. However, Isserley begins to question her mission when she starts to connect with one of her victims.
One of the standout features of “The Skin” is its excellent cast. Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of Isserley is nuanced and complex, and she manages to capture both the character’s vulnerability and her ruthlessness. The supporting cast also shines, with actors like Paul Brannigan and Jeremy McWilliams delivering excellent performances.
The film’s score also deserves a mention. Composed by Mica Levi, it perfectly captures the eerie and unsettling tone of the movie. Levi’s use of discordant strings adds an extra layer of tension to many scenes.
“The Skin” was not without its controversies. Some viewers criticized the film for its portrayal of women as sexual objects and for its use of violence against them. Others objected to what they saw as a racial subtext in the movie.
Despite these criticisms, “The Skin” received critical acclaim upon its release. Many critics praised Soderbergh’s direction and Johansson’s performance in particular.
Aside from its critical reception, “The Skin” also went on to win several awards at various film festivals around the world. These included Best Director at Fantastic Fest and the Audience Award at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The film’s cinematography is another highlight. Soderbergh, who also served as the film’s cinematographer under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, makes full use of his camera to create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The use of lighting and color is especially effective in conveying Isserley’s emotional state.
One of the most memorable scenes in “The Skin” takes place in a nightclub. Here, Isserley dances to a song by Lady Gaga while watching her victims from afar. The scene is both eerie and captivating, with Johansson’s performance capturing Isserley’s sense of detachment from humanity.
“The Skin” was shot on location in Scotland, with many scenes being filmed in and around Glasgow. Soderbergh was drawn to the city for its distinctive architecture and its proximity to both the sea and the mountains.
While “The Skin” may not have achieved widespread popularity upon its release, it has gained a cult following over time. The movie’s mix of horror, science fiction, and social commentary make it a unique viewing experience that lingers in the mind long after it’s over.
In terms of special effects, “The Skin” relies mostly on practical effects rather than computer-generated imagery. This gives the movie a grounded and tactile feel that adds to its visceral impact.
Ultimately, what makes “The Skin” such a compelling movie is its exploration of themes like identity, sexuality, and power. Despite its otherworldly premise, many viewers will see echoes of their own struggles within Isserley’s story.
In conclusion, “The Skin” is a haunting and thought-provoking film that deserves more attention than it initially received upon release. With an excellent cast, gorgeous cinematography, and an unforgettable score, it is one movie that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. So if you’re looking for something a little different, give “The Skin” a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 131
- Release : 1981-08-27
- Genre : Drama, War
- Cast : Marcello Mastroianni as Curzio Malaparte, Claudia Cardinale as Principessa Consuelo Caracciolo, Burt Lancaster as Generale Clark, Ken Marshall as Jimmy Wren, Alexandra King as Deborah Wyatt
- Crew : Dante Ferretti as Production Design, Michael Billingsley as Sound Engineer, Catherine Breillat as Screenplay, Francesca Lo Schiavo as Assistant Set Decoration, Lalo Schifrin as Original Music Composer
- Popularity 4.694
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Gaumont, Opera Film Produzione
- Summary : After the Allies liberate Naples in 1943, life for the locals is not much easier, especially for women. Many sacrifice their dignity and morale to survive.
- Tagline : The skin moves the world!
