The Skin I Live In

As a "movie maniac" I try to watch all kinds of movies for loads of different reasons. Sometimes I want to watch a classic in film history to understand its place and history and have a better appreciation for films today. Other times I want to watch a film to just have fun and enjoy myself. Then I have two reasons that are the main motivations for choosing a movie to watch. The first is directors that are either challenging or doing stuff different than everyone else. Directors who do this are Wong Kar-Wai or Wes Anderson who are very unique in their filmmaking and do stuff other don't dare do. Then I like to focus on international directors to see the stories that are being told all around the world. I would dare say that international film beats American cinema on any day. While some might disagree I think there wouldn't be filmmakers like Martin Scorsese or Christopher Nolan without German or Italian cinema to lead the way. So with that said we come to one of my all time favorite filmmakers Pedro Almodóvar who has made such films as All About My Mother and Broken Embraces. When The Skin I Live in was announced I was very excited to learn that he was going to be working with Antonio Banderas. When trailer came out I knew we were in for another fantastic ride from Almodóvar's brilliant mind. Then I finally got to see it after months and months and waiting and what did I think? Read on to see my thoughts...

The Skin I Live In stars Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, and Marisa Paredes in an erotic thriller directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film follows Doctor Robert Ledgard who after some depressing events in his life is on a search to create an artificial skin that would be impervious to fire, mosquito bites, and more in order to help others. Though more is under the surface of Dr. Ledgard as we soon learn that he is keeping a woman hostage, one in a weird tan suit that smokes opium all day. Needless to say there is something going on that we need to discover. As the film continues we learn more about this mysterious woman and the doctor with the horrible past.

The Skin I Live In is without a doubt is a one of a kind film. I have not, and probably will not, ever see a film like it again. I love everything about it. The themes, the imagery, the music, the acting. It all comes together for a hell of an experience. I sometimes may love movies a little too much to look at them critically or as in depth as others but I don't care because when I see movies like this I love them so much no one can change my mind about it. With this I believe Almodóvar has made his best masterpiece with a thrilling, haunting, depressing, dark look into the evil that is within everyone.

Let's start with the excellant cinematic qualities of the film. For starters the film look gorgeous and I adore the feel and look of it and that is a lot of thanks to José Luis Alcaine who did a marvellous job. Along with that the framing, angels (especially some of the dutch ones) are brilliant and take the film over the edge. Some of the shots are SPECTACULAR; some are threatening and horrifying while others are filled with so much depth its overwhelmingly incredible. Combined with Almodóvar's colors and sets it combines perfectly. As expected with Almodóvar the camera movement is also spectacular. I also would like to point out that the music by Albero Iglesias which flows witht he tone and mood of the movie flawlessly. I love this movie so much that I am starting to run out of awesome adjectives. I can't praise it enough though.

Then we come to the performances. It is without a doubt one of my favorite performances from Antonio Banderas who intimidation is powerful. His stares and stature is gripping to watch and it even causes me to clinch in fear at times. It is wonderful to see him and I also give props to Elena Anaya for doing a great job. The rest of the cast also does a great job but Banderas really stands out from the rest giving a character driven performance that also enhances the film thematically at the same time.

Then we come to the story which might be the best that Almodóvar has written. It is a story about revenge, probably one of the most vicious you will ever see, and about the evil that rests within us. Its full of so many twist and turns that you might not even be able to handle. Some are some of the biggest reveals I have ever experienced and its extraordinary what Almodóvar can make an audience go through. As said before the themes are brutal and the story as dark and depressing as they come. It is not the easiest movie to sit thought but if you can get through it, its one of the best you can experience.

Overall if you cannot tell by now I LOVE this movie. It's awesome and powerful and one of the most original movies of last year while also being emotionally powerful. In my opinion it is Almodóvar's best films and one of my favorites. While I may love this movie too much, I don't really care. I think its incredible and I don't hide my adoration for this film. It is a hell of an experience that film lovers will enjoy for years to come.

4/4