Review of Mysterious Skin (2005) by Steven C — 06 Apr 2012
"Mysterious Skin" is Gregg Araki's most accomplished and polished film. Granted, this is extremely difficult material and Araki is still working on a shoestring budget. What is most striking about "Mysterious Skin" is how Araki seems to be able to convey a structured narrative yet still remain squarely in his surrealistic visuals- that is no easy feat.
The performances are typically Araki-esque, a lot of angst and attitude but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is able to find the pathos in it, making 'the Araki swagger' seem much more human. "Mysterious Skin" is a film that you will not enjoy and you will not forget.
If you are willing to plumb the devastating emotional depths of child molestation and embrace these characters for their flaws, it will be much more rewarding. For serious cinema goers only.
This review of Mysterious Skin (2005) was written by Steven C on 06 Apr 2012.
Mysterious Skin has generally received very positive reviews.
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