Review of Mysterious Skin (2005) by Ann D — 13 Jan 2010

I cant get this movie out of my head. it's riveting, first of all. the editing, lighting, framing, and performances create a concept of childhood that is both nostalgic and horrifying. the two main characters' molestation at the hands of their baseball coach is explored as a complicated, formative event in the development (or lack of development) as people.

joseph gordon-levitt and brady corbet both create well-rounded, vibrant characters. michelle trachtenberg's hair, makeup, and costume are a little distractingly 90's but almost endearingly so.

it is my understanding that gregg araki made his formative films in the 90's, and since the film takes place in the early 90's, it definitely has a really powerful 90's aesthetic. the movie is a little gratuitous at times in its eroticizing of hustling and its constant aroused gaze at gordon-levitt "god"like hero.

I think more restraint would have been better in one scene in particular (the trick with the New York bottom)...but a brutal rape scene is just profoundly devastating, gordon-levitt playing his tough-as-nails character as victimized yet too emotionally numb to react with panic.