Whenever someone mentions a plot twist in a film, I immediately think of M. Night Shyamalan's 'The Sixth Sense'. This 1999 chiller was the first vivid memory I have of watching a film that, for want of a better word, messed with my head. It spun my brain around like a children's roundabout on a blustery, autumn day. From that moment until now I've been fascinated by movies that delve into the deepest pits of your psyche and alter your perceptions of reality and dreams. There have been countless films since '99 that have done this (Fight Club, The Prestige, Saw, Shutter Island - the list is endless). Some work better than others. The problem with a 'twist' as a plot device, as with anything that gets overused, is when it becomes obvious and stale. So does Pedro Almodovar's newest drama take pride of place alongside the classic 'twisters' or does it continue spinning around in that lonely children's park?
Almodovar has become a staple in Spanish cinema over the past 20 years. Indeed, many call him the finest Spanish director of his generation. It's safe to say that the bar is set very high when watching an Almodovar film. And I can say without a shadow of a doubt, he doesn't let his legions of adoring fans down. 'The Skin I Live In' sees Pedro reunite with Antonio Banderas for the first time since 1981. You can tell these two individuals have an understanding that can only be born out of that friendship and experience. The narrative is the strongest point of this film. It twists and turns throughout until it weaves a web of deception and some truly shocking revelations.
The basic synopsis of the film sees Banderas as a plastic surgeon who is keeping a woman as a prisoner (the enchantingly beautiful Elena Anaya) and lives with his housekeeper (Marisa Paredes on top form). He is developing a new skin for his hostage that will be more resistance than any human skin before it. And really this is all I can tell you about the plot. To give anymore away, would be unfair on a director that has strived to break the boundaries of what the audience expects. What I will say is the many plot twists (and especially the main one) completely change the film and it is entirely up to the viewer as to how well this works. Personally, I thought this was one of the most intelligent and beautifully shot pieces of cinema I've seen in a long time. Don't dismiss it just because it's in Spanish or looks like a slightly arty film. It's definitely not the latter - the narrative paces along at a good speed and the two hour running time is perfect for what is explored.
I would however offer a word of caution to viewers of a nervous disposition. While most of the 'bad' stuff is implied and suggested, there is a fair amount of sex, nudity and violence. The subject matter is pretty grim stuff so it's best to go in with an open mind. The acting is fantastic, the cinematography (by Jose Luis Alcaine) is breathtaking and the story is handled with the kind of care and precision you'd expect from Almodovar. As I said to my friend as the end credits began to roll - 'this is the scariest 'non-horror' film I've ever seen'. Cannes loved it, you will too.
