Review of Mysterious Skin (2005) by Ollie S — 03 Sep 2008
The film is very venerable in that the hypnotic sequences from the opening credits to the flashbacks, make it feel like a gorgeous experience as well as a work of conventional independent creativity.
The avant garde sensibility might seem tiring to some and it does have a slight unbalance especially on the subject of pedophilia and tortured youth, which is treated in a heartbreaking and cold manner.
The two sides of the story (Brian and Neill) are engaging, but the UFO strand is left wafting, and the stranger who turns up to the door, is left at a horrible 'independent film dodgy situation' treated cliche.
However, the performances are mesmerising to say the least (especially the fearless performance from Joseph Gordon Levitt). The homoerotic subtext is handled with grace for most of the time. The intensity of small-town America is the real treat, rather than the controversial subject at hand (which Gregg Araki is no stranger to, look for example to Totally F***ed Up), it has conventional independent quality, but what is felt from the film is one of soft derangement.
This review of Mysterious Skin (2005) was written by Ollie S on 03 Sep 2008.
Mysterious Skin has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
