Under the Skin
Year: 2013
Rating: R
Length: 108 minutes / 1.80 hours
When someone describes an “artistic” film, what comes to mind? For me, minimalism is often an easy way to identify a movie with the “artistic” descriptor. Under the Skin (2013) is perhaps the most minimalist movie I have ever seen. Minimal dialogue. Minimal plot. Minimal clothes. It’s a bit of a rough watch, but I still consider Under the Skin one of those movies you have to see at least once. You know, for its minimalist artistic qualities.
I always appreciate it when a movie can tell a story with minimal dialogue. While not nearly as impressive as the 3.5-hour long Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975), there’s an unsettling amount of plot that was communicated in this movie without speaking a word. Chalk it up to Scarlett Johansson’s stoic performance, but these moments of no dialogue really highlighted what makes us human. Choosing not to talk or not to help those in need might not have even been a choice for her character, but it spoke volumes about those of us who mimic those choices—whether consciously or subconsciously.
While Under the Skin is certainly thought-provoking—especially when the tables are turned—its minimalism sometimes contributes to its slow pacing. The first half of the movie felt repetitive, and it probably could have trimmed up a few of these segments to keep it moving toward the first big twist. The ending was also somewhat unsatisfying, but understandable considering what led up to it. It’s also easy to fault this film for some of the other “artistic” cliches—like nudity and sexual assault. Still, if you’re in the mood for an uncomfortable Zen experience, this film fits the bill.
An artsy and Zen film that leans into its minimalism, I give Under the Skin 3.5 stars out of 5.
1/2
