MYSTERIOUS SKIN is from one of my favorite directors, Gregg Araki. I avoided reading anything about this film before going to see it, because I didn't want to spoil it. Which left me surprised to find that it was based on a book, and not an original Gregg Araki script. That being said, it is apparently a faithful adaptation of a powerful story about child molestation, and the real way it effects victims. It may be a bit too realistic for some people to watch without squirming, if at all.
Ultimately I enjoyed the film. I found it moving and thought provoking. However, fans of Gregg Araki will find this a departure from his earlier work. He's matured and moved to working with a larger budget, and an "established" cast. This transition was noticeable in his previous film SPLENDOR. Which doesn't have the same life as NOWHERE or DOOM
GENERATION.
Part of the problem was casting, in my opinion. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Neil (from TV's Third Rock from the Sun) was unbelievably good. He even went to the trouble of flying to Kansas to capture the accent and attitude of the people there. He's Araki's replacement James Duval, though not beautiful. Elisabeth Shue (Neil's Mom), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Abduction Girl), Bill Sage (Coach Pervert) were also great. My issues lay with Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn from TV's Buffy), who has always grated on my nerves. She could only act reliably if cast as Idiot Number 3 in the Poseidon Adventure. Being prepared for that going into the movie, I was successful in simply ignoring her "performance". Brady Corbet (Abduction/Molestation Boy) was a bit over the top for me. But Jeffrey Licon was worst of all. He came across like a straight guys sketch of a gay club kid. Whatever he's sellin, I ain't buyin. Young Neil was played by a very talented young Chase Ellison
The soundtrack was pretty forgettable as well, which surprised me.
I can't say I didn't like the film, I was just expecting something different from Gregg Araki. If I imagined this as an unknown directors first film, I could have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong, Gregg did an amazing job of it, it just didn't come across as his work. I look forward to the next project he writes and directs himself. (7/10)
Ultimately I enjoyed the film. I found it moving and thought provoking. However, fans of Gregg Araki will find this a departure from his earlier work. He's matured and moved to working with a larger budget, and an "established" cast. This transition was noticeable in his previous film SPLENDOR. Which doesn't have the same life as NOWHERE or DOOM
GENERATION.
Part of the problem was casting, in my opinion. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Neil (from TV's Third Rock from the Sun) was unbelievably good. He even went to the trouble of flying to Kansas to capture the accent and attitude of the people there. He's Araki's replacement James Duval, though not beautiful. Elisabeth Shue (Neil's Mom), Mary Lynn Rajskub (Abduction Girl), Bill Sage (Coach Pervert) were also great. My issues lay with Michelle Trachtenberg (Dawn from TV's Buffy), who has always grated on my nerves. She could only act reliably if cast as Idiot Number 3 in the Poseidon Adventure. Being prepared for that going into the movie, I was successful in simply ignoring her "performance". Brady Corbet (Abduction/Molestation Boy) was a bit over the top for me. But Jeffrey Licon was worst of all. He came across like a straight guys sketch of a gay club kid. Whatever he's sellin, I ain't buyin. Young Neil was played by a very talented young Chase Ellison
The soundtrack was pretty forgettable as well, which surprised me.
I can't say I didn't like the film, I was just expecting something different from Gregg Araki. If I imagined this as an unknown directors first film, I could have enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong, Gregg did an amazing job of it, it just didn't come across as his work. I look forward to the next project he writes and directs himself. (7/10)