Nat, Cody, and Robert are on the hunt to delve into the meanings of Jonathan Glazer’s UNDER THE SKIN.
Jonathan Glazer’s adaptation of Michel Faber’s novel UNDER THE SKIN was an instant sensation among critics in 2013. Less so among the general audience, where the arthouse circuit wasn’t able to support the $13 million production, despite starring Scarlett Johansson coming off THE AVENGERS.
UNDER THE SKIN is a lean, quiet movie that dispenses with all exposition. Scarlett Johansson portrays an alien visitor who prowls Scotland enticing men into her van. That’s a premise that’s believable. But, when she gets the men back to her place in the country, the men discover more than they anticipated.
With striking visuals and long wordless stretches, not to mention stretches where it’s hard to make out the language, UNDER THE SKIN is a film that relies on its visuals to do a lot of the work. And Mica Levi’s remarkable score Relying on deep blacks, shades of red, reflections, and a strong camera presence, UNDER THE SKIN takes a long look at humanity. Our vulnerabilities, our small kindnesses, and our predatory nature beneath the veneer of civilization. There’s more going on under the surface on both sides of the equation.
UNDER THE SKIN may never have found a commercial audience, but it certainly found critical success and a cult following. It’s showed up on at least one recent poll as the best British film of the 21st century. Needless to say, we have a lot to discuss.
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Time tracks:
UNDER THE SKIN Discussion: 0:00 to 1:00:29
Next Film and Outro: 1:00:29 to End
Next month, we take a trip back to 1989 for undersea adventure with LEVIATHAN. We hope you’ll join us.
