When Kanye West release his latest album Yeezus there was a big number of fans who were disappointed by it because the music was very different compared to previous albums. The beats were almost experimental and many didn’t like that. It wasn’t a “standard hip hop album”. Personally I really liked it, simply because it tried to do something different, which made it challenging to listen to. Under the Skin manages to do that as a film. The question though is whether the average movie fan is able to appreciate that challenge.
If you are looking for a movie with a story that is easy to follow then you better skip this one. Scarlett Johansson plays the main character in this movie (no names are used and even the IMDB page of this movie doesn’t have any). She drives around Scotland in a white van and regularly stops to ask random man for directions. When they turn out to be single, she then tries to seduce them. The movie also regularly shows a mysterious man on a motorcycle who is always doing some disturbing tasks. Under the Skin leaves it up to the viewer to interpret it all.
Even thought the movie eventually gives some answers about what Johansson’s character is doing you will need to surrender to the events that unfold, which will, thanks to macabre music and strange imagery, will regularly make you feel uncomfortable. At times the film looks like a documentary/road trip, but can also suddenly show something surreal taking place. It is an uncomfortable experience, but because the movie is so different it stands out and will be one you will not forget soon. Scarlett Johansson plays her role with the charm she is known for, but when it is necessary she also acts completely emotionless. It is very fitting to the role. Under the Skin is ‘an acquired taste’, but if you are up for a challenge then you should check this one out. For me it is a movie which will end up high in my favourites of the year.
Nice comparison to Yeezus, because it’s very accurate. I’m not sure the average film-goer will appreciate this one, but I loved it. Great review!
Yeah, that’s the first comparison I thought about after seeing the movie and happy you agree with that one Courtney 🙂
It isn’t accessible enough for a lot of people, but like you I loved it and am sure it will be one of my favourites this year.
Glad you liked the movie! Scarlett was so amazing. It’s so great how in addition to kicking ass as Black Widow she does all those ambitious projects too.
Yeah, she really has been on a roll. She was amazing in Her and I’m interested to see Lucy.
Another reviewer who liked this film – I think I’m in the minority on this one, as I really didn’t get into it. Scarlett was good, and some of the photography was nice, but as a cohesive film overall it left me cold. These arthouse-y films often annoy me for their lax narrative style, and Under The Skin was no exception. Ugh.
I can completely understand your feelings and am not shocked by it at all. It is something you either can get into or completely leaves you cold.
I’ve been reading mixed reviews about this one, glad you’re on the positive side Nostra. I’m still curious about it, I definitely will rent this soon!
If you are up to something different then it’s definitely one that will fall under that label 🙂
This is on my watch list. Looks promising! I’m going to check it out, thanks for your review
Cool, interested to hear how you will feel about it.
Watched Under The Skin in July, I agree with your 8/10 rating. I also appreciate that Glazer tried to do something different. The poster is another thing that stays with you 🙂
Yeah, very original piece of work Chris.