Review of The Skin I Live In (2011) by Jarrett M — 10 May 2012

This is a truly fascinating and engrossing film. Not so much in plot or performances (which are good, make no mistake) but more so in the story-telling and direction. This is the first film I have seen by Pedro Almodovar and I must say he is a gifted filmmaker.

I certainly look forward to seeing more of his work. The cast does a wonderful job with their characters, especially given the difficult and unpleasant nature of the story. That story is told in a broken narrative, rewinding 6 yrs in the middle of the film to reveal events that completely change the dynamic of what is happening in the present.

This is a film that could very easily have been an utter disaster, but instead it is a very tightly told story of loss, obsession and revenge. Well worth a look for those that want to know what good direction and story-telling looks like.