Review of The Skin I Live In (2011) by Roxanne R — 10 Mar 2012

Roger Moore, film critic from the Orlando Sentinel, said exactly what I feel about this motion picture after watching it: "It's as disquieting as it is unsatisfying, a slog through gender issues, surgery and violence - sexual and otherwise".

By the way I have enjoyed Almodovar's films, through college and beyond, having seen most of his movies that contain irony, satire, interesting plots and twists and this one goes all in. Banderas plays the role of Robert Ledgard, a recognized plastic surgeon with a sad past (wife was unfaithful, then as a result of an accident, commits suicide leaving a daughter behind for Robert to raise.

Life surely threw some curves at poor Robert so he becomes obsessed with creating skin tissue that is a shield against every assault. The question is WHO will become his patient? This film has a lot of symbolism and for those who don't speak English, it does offer English subtitles.

In ONE word I can summarize exactly what this film was for me: TRAGIC. I do recommend it but be warned, you are about to immerse yourself in a dark and strange world where at journey's end, our Vicente may have won Cristina's love due to a cruel and tragic twist of fate.