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Under the Skin (2013)
beautifully haunting
I usually don't write reviews. However (like other reviewers before me) I was motivated to write this (modest) one considering the low rating this film has in here.
It is not narratively-driven, sometimes seemingly random and many things are left unexplained. I understand why some people may find it boring after a while. However, if you watch it in the right contemplative mindset, I can assure you it will turn out to be a dark and mesmerizing experience.
Without falling into the pointless discussion about it being a film that "not everyone will 'get' ", I can confidently say that it is not a film that everyone will enjoy. Actually, I can't say I actually 'enjoyed' it myself: I would rather describe my experience as of uneasiness and discomfort.
There are several reasons why I found this film profoundly discomforting. One of the main factors for me was the strong feeling of seeing human life from an 'alien' (as in alienated, not necessary 'extraterrestial') perspective. The main character (Scarlett Johansson) is mostly emotionless, detached from what is portrayed as the gray banality of human everyday existence. This feeling of detachment and estrangement is reinforced by the absence of dialogue throughout most of the movie. The few dialogues that appear are mostly meaningless small talk or petty seduction.
The meaningless dialogue and long silences are complimented by one of the most remarkable things in the film: the utterly AMAZING soundtrack. I can't remember the last time I was so affected by the soundtrack of a film. It is eerie, slow and haunting. It is crucial for the overall feeling of the film
In contrast with the bleak suburban ugliness, there are some really great scenes. Some of these consist of long, visually stunning shots of beautiful natural sceneries. Others are uncomfortable to watch. Others are dark and outlandish. These scenes coupled with the soundtrack often have very disquieting/ disturbing results. SPECIALLY that damn underwater scene (!).
To cut things short, this movie is not 'nice', 'fun' or entertaining. It doesn't have a plot that guides you throughout it. It is more of a slow, eerie, mesmerizing, aesthetically pleasing, "what - the-hell-did-I-just-watch" nightmare. If this doesn't sound appealing, you should probably pass on this one. If it does then I seriously recommend you to watch it!