Through its conduct, its plot and its main character, the man who sold his skin, the film evokes artistic creation and precariousness. The man who sold his skin is played by Yahya Mahayni, who is all subtlety. We understand his motivations through his behavior. But his character retains an element of mystery, which maintains the viewer's empathy and interest. There are very basic motivations: saving one's skin as an immigrant, finding a love interest. But the characters add little touches that mean they can't be reduced to these two motivations.
The film poses an interesting question in an age of widespread tattooing. Here, a well-known artist (Koen De Bouw, all irony) tattoos the back of a Syrian immigrant. The tattoo is a passport. The work is the tattoo, but also the tattooed individual's skin. He has a contract where he has to appear at regular intervals at exhibitions, where he is exposed himself: he shows his back. Then he's sold. The issue of the commodification of the individual can be a metaphor for other issues surrounding the commodification of bodies. A subtle film, rich in multiple themes.
The film poses an interesting question in an age of widespread tattooing. Here, a well-known artist (Koen De Bouw, all irony) tattoos the back of a Syrian immigrant. The tattoo is a passport. The work is the tattoo, but also the tattooed individual's skin. He has a contract where he has to appear at regular intervals at exhibitions, where he is exposed himself: he shows his back. Then he's sold. The issue of the commodification of the individual can be a metaphor for other issues surrounding the commodification of bodies. A subtle film, rich in multiple themes.