Mysterious Skin

Star Review

Mysterious Skin is an extraordinarily powerful film that tackles difficult subjects – paedophilia and child sexuality, with humanity and intelligence. Adapted by the director from the cult novel by Scott Heim, the film episodically follows the lives of two young men in small town Kansas, whose lives were shaped by traumatic events in their past.
Neil is a slinky, cocky, sullen hustler who at 8 years old was seduced by his league coach. His feelings of the experience are difficult to comprehend, as they are not wholly negative. Now older, empty and bored of life in a small-town, he moves to New York City, and finds his encounters with clients become ever more strange and dangerous. Brian similarly went through a traumatic experience; however he ascribes his ‘lost time’, nose bleeds and nightmares to abduction by aliens. As he grows older and searches for answers he realises that Neil may hold the key.
The film is concerned with the gulf between children and adults, partly in terms of sexuality and power, but also meditating on how the rest of someone’s life can be shaped by events that occurred in our childhood.
Given the subject matter you might expect a harrowing experience. However, despite a number of undeniably difficult scenes, the film is ultimately moving rather than disturbing. Because the film focuses on the characters’ journey onward from their shattering experiences, it never feels pessimistic; instead you’re left with hope.
Awash with a dreamy atmosphere and perfectly set to a mesmerising soundtrack from ex-Cocteau Twins, Mysterious Skin is a real gem and makes you thankful for the American independent film scene.

Dan Hunter on 3rd October 2005

View all 34 of Dan Hunter’s reviews

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Film Description

Two boys the same age from the same town, have different points of reference. Brian is convinced he is the victim of alien abduction in his childhood; Neil is curious about his developing sexuality. A provocative and audacious film.

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A powerful film experience from Gregg Araki, director of The Living End. Two boys experience events in their childhood which shape their teenage years. For Neil it has... more >

A powerful film experience from Gregg Araki, director of The Living End. Two boys experience events in their childhood which shape their teenage years. For Neil it has led to life as a hustler, whilst Brian relives the moments of his abduction by aliens. However, increasingly their paths cross and a shared past unravels to its shocking conclusion. Strong performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet < less

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DVD Extras

• Brady Corbett & Joseph Gordon-Levitt read from the novel
• London film festival Q & A with Gregg Araki and Scott Helm
• Interview with Gregg Araki, Scott Helm, Brady Corbett and Joseph Gordon Levitt
• Original theatrical trailers
• Film notes
• DTS Digital Surround 5.1, 5.1 Surround, 2.0 Stereo.

Film Details

Cast

Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Technical Details