Movie Of The Week: Under The Skin
Release: March 14
Starring: Scarlett Johansson
Synopsis: A voluptuous woman of unknown origin combs the highway in search of isolated or forsaken men, luring a succession of lost souls into an otherworldly lair. They are seduced, stripped of their humanity, and never heard from again. Based on the novel by Michael Faber, this film examines human experience from the perspective of a heroine who grows too comfortable in her borrowed skin, until she is abducted into humanity with devastating results.
Why You Should See It: Scarlett Johansson seduces us unsuspecting Highlanders. Obviously this is based on my own life experience - I had to reject her advances; it would have never worked out - but I will strive towards impartiality.
(note to Johansson's lawyers: the above is a hilarious-yet-untrue joke. Also, I am ridiculously poor and therefore unworthy of being sued)
First of all, this film recommendation comes with a massive, all consuming asterisk – the press previews of this film during its showing at the Venice Film Festival were an even split between gushing praise and burning condemnation. Its defenders cite the performance of Scarlett Johansson, and the way it presents its central theme of human isolation and alienation. Its detractors on the other hand deride it as a pretentious and ridiculous update on the hoary old formula of sexy-alien films popularised by cinematic toilet-blockage Species.
My opinion on films as divisive as this is always that they have to be seen – any film that provokes a strong emotion, positive or negative, is a worthy experience. Regardless of whether or not you enjoy it, it will make you feel something. And isn't that the point of cinema in the first place?
For more information, or to book tickets from Vue Cinema, call 0871 224 0240 or go to http://www.myvue.com.
