The Skin I Live In

A modern, elegant rendition of Frankenstein.  

Technically, The Skin I Live In is a 2011 Spanish psychological thriller, written and directed by the inventive Pedro Almodóvar.  The gracefully told feature could presumably also classify as a horror movie without the blood and shrieking.  Almodóvar presents a perplexing, vengeful story about the life of Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas).  Robert is an established surgeon, who has taken part in several of the world’s successful face transplants.  He has been experimenting with a new form a skin that is invulnerable to fire and bugs.  Seeming to be held prisoner in Robert’s secluded surgical facilities, Vera (Elena Anaya) remains the doctor’s lone test subject.  She has slowly been undergoing the new procedure and receiving skin transplants -- as to be remodeled in the image of Robert’s deceased wife.  It’s left unknown who Vera is and how she became part of the doctor’s experiment.  But one thing is for certain -- Robert is making God-like decisions and feels that he possesses the right to use other people’s bodies to repair past wounds of his own.  

Pedro Almodóvar is known for creating movies with complicated plots, tongue-in-cheek dialogue, bold colors and sleek interior design.  The Skin I Live In does not skip any of these characteristics.  Confusing at moments, this movie is not your average medical horror.  It’s an existential puzzle containing betrayal, grief, loneliness, revenge, sexual identity, rape and survival.  It is a mystery left for you to solve.  Slow moving, the film twists back and forth, revealing the story through past and present.  Don’t worry though, this film is meant to disorganize your mind - everything is eventually explained.  

Despite the convoluted plot and lustrous cinematography, what sticks out are the sly, underhanded characteristics of the cast.  Antonio Banderas wouldn’t have been my first choice for a seemingly mad scientist - but his portrayal of Robert comes off as a clean cut, dapper gentleman who has been hurt, and therefore retracted into a man that is evil to the core.  We follow the story of a monster, but are totally unaware of his capabilities.  As well, Vera is beautiful, yet has the tendencies of a psychopath.  And rightfully so!  Every character is so wrapped up in themselves, that they will do whatever it takes to get what they want.  

There may not be a slew of violent, blood stained scenes in this movie - but be forewarned, the story itself is frightening enough on it’s own!  You will not be disappointed.  

Number 12 - The Skin I Live In

You can purchase this movie on Apple iTunes, or rent the DVD on Netflix.