While convoluted and, sometimes,tedious, "The Skin I live in" evokes the theme of obsession in a manner worthy of such classic films as "Eyes Without a Face" (1960), "Vertigo" (1958), "The Night Porter" (1974) and "Obsession" (1976), while managing to be even more perverse and disturbing than any of these.
"Vera" (Elena Anaya) whiles away her days in either provocative yoga positions, totally nude, applying sackcloth to sculpture, or receiving experimental skin grafts from her captor, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas. When not totally nude, Vera is clothed in a body suit, which is skin tight right down to shaping her private parts. In addition to Robert applying illegal, genetically modified skin grafts, he gives Vera opium pipes to remove her memory. What connection does this have to the deaths of Robert's wife and daughter? Who is Vera? The answers will both fascinate and horrify you.
As "Vera," Spain's leading actress, Elena Anaya, gives the most sensuous performance since Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice". Her awards and nominations are well deserved. Sadly, for "The Skin I Live In," Elena was overlooked for a Golden Globes or an Oscar. Oh well, maybe her performance in "The Skin I Live in" is just too kinky for these "mainstream" organizations. Banderas is also excellent, the perfect mix of victimized husband and monster.
As for Pedro Almodovar, with "The Skin I Live in," he is either spectacularly good or almost inept, depending upon the sequence in the film. Perhaps, I am not sophisticated enough to appreciate Almodovar's "genius". However, I felt Almodovar misses the mark too many times to either give him or "The Skin I Live In" the praise I would otherwise grant it. Nonetheless, I give a movie that could have been a "10" a solid "7"...and as a writer/producer, I hope someday to have the honor of working with the almost irresistible Elena Anaya.
"Vera" (Elena Anaya) whiles away her days in either provocative yoga positions, totally nude, applying sackcloth to sculpture, or receiving experimental skin grafts from her captor, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas. When not totally nude, Vera is clothed in a body suit, which is skin tight right down to shaping her private parts. In addition to Robert applying illegal, genetically modified skin grafts, he gives Vera opium pipes to remove her memory. What connection does this have to the deaths of Robert's wife and daughter? Who is Vera? The answers will both fascinate and horrify you.
As "Vera," Spain's leading actress, Elena Anaya, gives the most sensuous performance since Meryl Streep in "Sophie's Choice". Her awards and nominations are well deserved. Sadly, for "The Skin I Live In," Elena was overlooked for a Golden Globes or an Oscar. Oh well, maybe her performance in "The Skin I Live in" is just too kinky for these "mainstream" organizations. Banderas is also excellent, the perfect mix of victimized husband and monster.
As for Pedro Almodovar, with "The Skin I Live in," he is either spectacularly good or almost inept, depending upon the sequence in the film. Perhaps, I am not sophisticated enough to appreciate Almodovar's "genius". However, I felt Almodovar misses the mark too many times to either give him or "The Skin I Live In" the praise I would otherwise grant it. Nonetheless, I give a movie that could have been a "10" a solid "7"...and as a writer/producer, I hope someday to have the honor of working with the almost irresistible Elena Anaya.