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Post by Porscheguy on Sept 17, 2014 20:14:29 GMT -5
Movie 8
SQ 8
PQ 9
Under the Skin is probably the most difficult movie I've ever reviewed. This little indie production features mega star Scarlett Johansson as a "woman" scouring the boroughs of the seamy side of Edinburgh Scotland looking for lonely rarely missed men to seduce, and lures them eventually to their death. As the film progresses Johansson's character slowly goes through a metamorphosis of sorts as she tries to discover her more human side. I won't say more because I don't want to give you too much in the way of "red meat". This movie some 12 years in the making, has been roundly criticized by some as boring and plotless but I think the opposite. The cinematography is absolutely stunning capturing the bleak hopeless look of the dark, rainswept forests and Scottish countryside along with the interesting juxtaposition of the urban city scenes. The soundtrack is superb with its techno industrial vibe and director Jonathan Glazer was brilliant in his shooting using ordinary Scots who did not even know they were in a movie as most of it was shot with hidden cameras without their knowledge. Refreshing and different.
There is no doubt Under The Skin is truly a polarizing movie. Some will love it while others will chide its virtues. I happen to think it's a great piece of film noir and I hope you do too..
Ec
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Post by paintedklown on Sept 17, 2014 21:15:30 GMT -5
Ed, I couldn't agree more. I was originally going to do this as my first movie review, and had planned on doing it soon. I LOVED this film. The imagery coupled with the score serve this film VERY well. Excellent film all the way around, although I can see why some people would be turned off by it. I plan to watch it several times, it's that good. Using my 4 star system, I would give this an EASY 3.5/4 starts. Only removing the half star as it doesn't have universal appeal. Not important to me, but I cannot say this one is for everyone. My apologies, if you feel I tried to hi-jack your thread. I just figured I would give my brief thoughts as well. You sir, have excellent taste in film.  |
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Post by Porscheguy on Sept 18, 2014 20:13:53 GMT -5
Kind of surprised there are so few comments on this film. It truly is a tour deforce is cinematography and musical score..
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Post by garbulky on Oct 10, 2014 1:07:52 GMT -5
I finally got around to watching it when my local library had it. When I saw the words scarlet Johanson and alien, I knew it had to be good. But blech. What an arthouse turd. Thoroughly let down. The only neat stuff were some of the lighting effects especially at the beginning. This is the kind of junk where film makers create vague images, usually coupled with awful dialog all around and apparently think they did such a darn good job because it makes no sense. Throwing random stuff together around a vague artsy theme and general wierdness all around calling it a movie is not my cup of tea. You weren't kidding when you said it was polarizing! If anybody liked this, they are going to love the movie "severed ways", which I was forced to watch with my friend. It is a viking heavy metal movie which contains tomohawks and native american women, vikings. And surprisingly identical in ts incredibly blase pacing. It's also just as bad imo.   |
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hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,951
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Post by hemster on Oct 10, 2014 4:13:58 GMT -5
I saw this movie Wednesday evening and I have to concur with Porscheguy and paintedklown. This is indeed film noir at its best. Excellent cinematography and impactful sound really stands out in this movie. I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea but I liked it. A lot. The scenery took me back to my college days in Scotland but that doesn't sway my opinion in any way. Neither does the presence of the lovely Ms. Johansson. Honest! I'll likely watch it again - that's not something I've done a lot recently.. or in a long while... |
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zerafa
Sensei
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Posts: 147
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Post by zerafa on Oct 10, 2014 7:58:45 GMT -5
i watched it first on the plane from my laptop, then watched on the HT the same day when i got home...
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Post by linvincible on Oct 10, 2014 8:08:25 GMT -5
Garbulky, your opinion really refreins me from watching this movie, but I'm also really interested by that Viking movie now!
If I find it good I'll watch both of them ;o)
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Post by pop on Oct 10, 2014 8:10:52 GMT -5
I haven't seen it, but I love movies like this. Some people love it so much it gains a cult following, others despise it and will never understand how anyone could stomach a second watch.
I have been meaning to watch it for a bit, but it kind of slipped under my radar.
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Post by Porscheguy on Oct 10, 2014 20:22:35 GMT -5
I saw this movie Wednesday evening and I have to concur with Porscheguy and paintedklown. This is indeed film noir at its best. Excellent cinematography and impactful sound really stands out in this movie. I realize it's not everyone's cup of tea but I liked it. A lot. The scenery took me back to my college days in Scotland but that doesn't sway my opinion in any way. Neither does the presence of the lovely Ms. Johansson. Honest! I'll likely watch it again - that's not something I've done a lot recently.. or in a long while... Yes, great film noir. My all time favorite in this genre is Dark City made in 1998. It is tour deforce in the genre of film noir movie making. A must see. It is closely followed by 2005's Sin City... |
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bootman
Emo VIPs 
Typing useless posts on internet forums....
Posts: 9,358
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Post by bootman on Oct 10, 2014 20:25:50 GMT -5
I saw this and liked it.
Sad story.
Big fan of Dark City and Sin City.
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hemster
Global Moderator
Particle Manufacturer
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Post by hemster on Oct 10, 2014 20:41:08 GMT -5
^Agreed, both Dark City and Sin City were great. I also liked The Third Man and Chinatown, both of which I strongly recommend. |
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