Based on the novel by Scott Heim, Indie flick Mysterious Skin really goes to show how times have changed. Back in the eighties, a film called 'The Witch Who Came From the Sea' was banned for rather tame scenes involving a minor being sexually abused by an older man; yet this film tackles themes of paedophilia, homosexuality and the corruption of youth head on with no problems at all. It's lucky that Gregg Araki's film works from a strong script and benefits from good production values - otherwise a story like this could have easily been passed off as trash. The film follows the idea of sexual abuse against children and it's implications in their later life. Mysterious Skin focuses on two boys; Neil and Brian, who were both abused as a child. Each one has taken it rather differently; Neil has become a male prostitute, while Brian is constantly haunted by the idea that he was abducted by aliens as a child. We follow the pair to breaking point and the film climaxes with their meeting and a horrible revelation...
Both the characters are mentally disturbed, and this comes across often as we watch their everyday lives. Mysterious Skin does a good job of showing the selfishness of child abuse, and also allows its two leads to put in well worked performances. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet are entirely different actors, and it seems fitting that they're kept apart for most of the film. The scene where they finally meet is good because despite being poles apart, the two share a common element, and this comes through in their chemistry. The film does a really good job with its characters, and they're always the focus; but it's not without its problems. Sometimes it seems that homosexuality is taking too much of the centre stage, and it detracts from the theme of child abuse. Furthermore, some of the sex scenes; especially those involving children go too far and become uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for wayward cinema; but certain things really should remain taboo. However, the plot is well paced and the director does a good job of ensuring that the audience is always engrossed in the absorbing story. Overall, I can't say I fully agree with all the positive reviews this film has won itself; but it's certainly a professional and worthwhile slice of cinema.
Both the characters are mentally disturbed, and this comes across often as we watch their everyday lives. Mysterious Skin does a good job of showing the selfishness of child abuse, and also allows its two leads to put in well worked performances. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Brady Corbet are entirely different actors, and it seems fitting that they're kept apart for most of the film. The scene where they finally meet is good because despite being poles apart, the two share a common element, and this comes through in their chemistry. The film does a really good job with its characters, and they're always the focus; but it's not without its problems. Sometimes it seems that homosexuality is taking too much of the centre stage, and it detracts from the theme of child abuse. Furthermore, some of the sex scenes; especially those involving children go too far and become uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for wayward cinema; but certain things really should remain taboo. However, the plot is well paced and the director does a good job of ensuring that the audience is always engrossed in the absorbing story. Overall, I can't say I fully agree with all the positive reviews this film has won itself; but it's certainly a professional and worthwhile slice of cinema.