Genre
Drama | Sci-Fi
Director
Jonathan Glazer
Country
UK | USA | Switzerland
Cast
Scarlett Johansson, Paul Brannigan, Jessica Mance, Joe Szula, Krystof Hadek, Scott Dymond
Based Michel Faber's novel of the same name, the story isn't a real story, it's just a bunch of aliens abducting people in the most weird way ever. And even though a film doesn't necessarily need to have a plot to be interesting - see Linklater's "Before Sunrise" -, the extremely long silences, and the non-existent dialogue have you waiting for some significant plot turns that never happen. Another problem is the lack of mystery, in fact it's obvious from the very beginning what Scarlett Johansson's character is.
Maybe I was let down because I was expecting a different film which is normal when Glazer's work has been compared to the works of Stanley Kubrick. I don't like all of his films, but Kubrick is arguably on a whole other level.
I didn't see Glazer's great direction, all I saw was a lot of darkness - probably to keep down the cost of special effects - since the very beginning when the film opens with a black screen and a dazzling light. If anything, I felt trapped into a "cinematographic work" that never seemed to finish.
Now I really see why, while they opted for non-actors for the supporting roles, they needed a star like Scarlett Johansson in the lead, they needed to trick people into watching this. But I still don't understand why she took the role. And frankly I don't think her performance was spectacular. Unless you consider getting naked for most of the time and having the same expression throughout the whole film spectacular.
Storyline
A mysterious woman (Scarlett Johansson) drives a van through the road and streets of Scotland seducing lonely men.Opinion
I guess "Under the Skin" is one of those films one either loves or hates. I fall into the second group as I found the film dreadfully slow, repetitive and so boring I almost felt asleep.Based Michel Faber's novel of the same name, the story isn't a real story, it's just a bunch of aliens abducting people in the most weird way ever. And even though a film doesn't necessarily need to have a plot to be interesting - see Linklater's "Before Sunrise" -, the extremely long silences, and the non-existent dialogue have you waiting for some significant plot turns that never happen. Another problem is the lack of mystery, in fact it's obvious from the very beginning what Scarlett Johansson's character is.
Maybe I was let down because I was expecting a different film which is normal when Glazer's work has been compared to the works of Stanley Kubrick. I don't like all of his films, but Kubrick is arguably on a whole other level.I didn't see Glazer's great direction, all I saw was a lot of darkness - probably to keep down the cost of special effects - since the very beginning when the film opens with a black screen and a dazzling light. If anything, I felt trapped into a "cinematographic work" that never seemed to finish.
Now I really see why, while they opted for non-actors for the supporting roles, they needed a star like Scarlett Johansson in the lead, they needed to trick people into watching this. But I still don't understand why she took the role. And frankly I don't think her performance was spectacular. Unless you consider getting naked for most of the time and having the same expression throughout the whole film spectacular.
Sorry to hear you didn't like it. I found it somewhat disturbing and thought provoking.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pagesoncinema.com/2014/08/under-skin-2014.html?m=1
I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. I'll still check out your review though.
DeleteI hated that they only adapted about 1/3 of the book and left the most interesting parts of it out. That stopped me from being able to like it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll have to read the book then.
DeleteCrickey, I completely forgot this movie existed. I remember reading early reviews and the synopsis alone was enough for me to go 'nope'. Great review though!
ReplyDelete- Allie
Thanks!
DeleteI still have not watched this movie, but a lot of people called this an AMAZING movie. I loved the review and now I want to see it for myself.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of those movies you either love or hate. I totally get people loving it.
DeletePer me ha toppato in tutti i sensi... La peggior Scarlett Johansson che abbia mai visto
ReplyDeleteConcordo pienamente sulla Johansson.
DeleteAw man, sorry to hear you didn't like it. It was one of my faves of 2013. I found it mesmerizing and haunting. That said, I fully agree with you that it's very much a love it or hate it type movie. Therefore, as much as I loved it, I don't recommend it to people.
ReplyDeleteI'll give the book a try though, people are saying it's a lot better than the movie.
Delete