THE SKIN I LIVE IN
Renowned Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar’s latest offering, The Skin I Live In, is on the surface a sci-fi thriller that explores man’s constant attempt to improve on nature but, deep down, it is rooted in the themes that make his films so mesmerising and thought-provoking – love, loss and gender identity. Haunted by the death of his wife from serious burns, eminent plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas) has messed with genetics to create a new human skin that can withstand anything, grafting it on his test subject Vera (Elena Anaya), who he keeps locked up in his mansion with the help of his faithful maid, Marilia (Marisa Paredes). Thanks to Almodovar’s signature twists and nail-biting pace, however, the plot unravels into much, much more, leaving us breathless til the very end. The Skin I Live In sees the welcome return of Banderas to Almodovar’s fold in a strong, cool-as-a-cucumber performance while, in Anaya, the director has found a stunning new muse to rival Penelope Cruz. (MG) ****1/2
