Movie Review: Under the Skin
Director: Jonathan Glazer
Writers: Walter Campbell (screenplay), Michel Faber
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy McWilliams, Lynsey Taylor Mackay
Synopsis: An alien seductress preys upon hitchhikers in Scotland.
UPDATE**
After a re-watch and some thought, some viewpoints are not exactly the same. While the film has some flaws, there are some fascinating themes explored here. Much of my words expressed in the video are still valid, but our latest Extra Film segment explains more. Listen to that podcast here.
Under the Skin is an extremely polarizing film that features an amazing performance from Scarlett Johannson. While this film features some interesting themes, it’s also methodical, mundane at times and feels like a bunch of random brushstrokes. The second half is much more intriguing and the exploration of becoming human and what that means is pretty fascinating. While it may work well for some, for me it was more hit or miss. The visuals are pretty amazing and the score is creepy and harrowing.
DIRECTION – C
SCRIPT – C
PERFORMANCES – A
SCORE – B
InSession Film founder and owner. I love film. Love art. Love how it intersects with our real lives. My favorite movies include Citizen Kane, The 400 Blows, Modern Times, The Godfather and The Tree of Life. Follow me on Twitter @RealJDDuran. Follow us @InSessionFilm.