Review of The Skin I Live In (2011) by Joshua G — 21 May 2012

A twisted, disturbing movie from the warped mind of Pedro Almodovar, this time dealing with a gifted plastic surgeon who is currently working on a new skin for human beings that would be impervious to some diseases and pain, and how he uses a test dummy (Elena Anaya), a mysterious woman who remains locked in his house for reasons unknown.

Almodovar has proven he has got balls in the past, notably with the phenomenal 2002 film "Talk To Her" where he shows compassion for a rapist. It is nice to see Antonio Banderas giving a nuanced, brilliant performance that anchors this film from beginning to end.

This is not a movie for everyone, as a disgusting twist thrown into the mix around the halfway point of the film is especially hair-raising, though definitely original and well-executed. This film, like Almodovar's others, is a melodrama inside and out, but it goes a little too far at its conclusion and does not know quite how to end.

Other than that, it's a fine film and testament to Almodovar's ability to control the pace and keep the story spiraling out of control into unbelievable madness.