Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the last Academy Awards, The Man Who Sold His Skin features an interesting premise concerning a Syrian refugee exploited in the name of art and could've made for a sharp, scathing satire on the whole thing. But it is so preoccupied with its love story that all the themes the film touches upon and the places it could've gone to remain unexplored.
Written & directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film starts on a promising note and the early setups even hint at something audacious in the making. However, instead of digging into its unfolding set of events, Hania just skims through it and settles for a simplified outcome that avoids any risks. Anyone looking for a movie to explore the political implications of turning a human into a commodity is going to be disappointed here.
Maybe Hania never intended to say something profound with her story and it's probably why that ending is still part of the final product, despite it betraying a lot of what happens before. The framing, composition & lighting on display is impressive throughout but what stands out best is Yahya Mahayni's potent showcase as the titular artwork. Dea Liane is just as good in her role as his lover while Monica Bellucci feels like a miscast in this.
Overall, The Man Who Sold His Skin brushes on themes of refugee crisis, exploitation, elitism, objectification & dehumanisation but is more concerned with its glossy romance subplot than the heavier elements present in the picture. The lovesick protagonist's inability to get over his break-up does more harm than good to our investment in him. Also, the romance itself is cold & lacking in warmth, which in turn makes the ending all the more underwhelming.
Written & directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, the film starts on a promising note and the early setups even hint at something audacious in the making. However, instead of digging into its unfolding set of events, Hania just skims through it and settles for a simplified outcome that avoids any risks. Anyone looking for a movie to explore the political implications of turning a human into a commodity is going to be disappointed here.
Maybe Hania never intended to say something profound with her story and it's probably why that ending is still part of the final product, despite it betraying a lot of what happens before. The framing, composition & lighting on display is impressive throughout but what stands out best is Yahya Mahayni's potent showcase as the titular artwork. Dea Liane is just as good in her role as his lover while Monica Bellucci feels like a miscast in this.
Overall, The Man Who Sold His Skin brushes on themes of refugee crisis, exploitation, elitism, objectification & dehumanisation but is more concerned with its glossy romance subplot than the heavier elements present in the picture. The lovesick protagonist's inability to get over his break-up does more harm than good to our investment in him. Also, the romance itself is cold & lacking in warmth, which in turn makes the ending all the more underwhelming.