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The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In

2011
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
2h 0m
A brilliant plastic surgeon, haunted by past tragedies, creates a type of synthetic skin that withstands any kind of damage. His guinea pig: a mysterious and volatile woman who holds the key to his obsession.
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The Skin I Live In

2011
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
2h 0m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 63.52% from 3321 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3321)
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Rated 29 Dec 2011
70
46th
Tried to type WTF into the box, but I guess it has to be a number between 0 and 100.
Rated 20 Aug 2011
8
78th
I didn't know what to make of it an hour in, and it being my first descent into Almodovar's complex mindset didn't help much either. As the story remarkably unfolds, he thankfully refrains from drowning the film into melodramatic emotional trappings, shunning the temptation of being relevant by shocking the viewer into submission. This is why I love this medium, not just as a visual medium but because of its unpredictability. Recommended.
Rated 13 Dec 2018
77
83rd
"I think we all know where this is going." - someone who has absolutely no idea where this is going.
Rated 31 Dec 2011
75
75th
"Wait, so he -- oh what -- NO! WHAT?! Oh what the -- NOOO. Daaaang! Well, shit."
Rated 14 Nov 2011
70
72nd
It's Almodóvar strangest film, in which he seems to shoot not too concerned with his well-known reading of kitsch elements. Instead, I believe, he prefers to go deep into his obsessions with the female body -- and the result is so hostile and brilliant that I couldn't just look away. Despite the ordinary surprising-and-passionate-and-human-as-hell finale, this is big -- and Almodóvar knows it's big.
Rated 16 Feb 2016
100
97th
A queer echo of Eyes without a Face, shifting from the reconstruction of identity through bodily transformation to a tremendous decentering of identity. The film evokes an asymmetry in individuals' self-image and others' projections, what happens when these become irreconcilable, & the rituals to keep others' definitions of you at bay. The result is a stickier version of Ex Machina, highlighting a masculine voyeurism informed by surfaces & the paradoxical power of playing roles of powerlessness.
Rated 08 Oct 2014
90
82nd
Portrays a transsexual body as a supernaturally beautiful altered personality, with a remarkable amount of insight and sensitivity that belies the loony antics of the plot. When you open your movie with Antonio Banderas as a mad plastic surgeon, you pretty much just have to strap in. Nobody else really makes cinematic novelas like Almodovar.
Rated 22 Oct 2011
85
89th
Frankenstein according to Almodóvar? The Spanish excentric's most intriguing work since 'Hable con ella' - and Banderas' best part since... well, ever?
Rated 29 Jan 2018
84
80th
A film I'd easily compare to Straw Dogs - Pauline Kael famously said that film was a fascist work of art. This: sexual fascism, disguised under cuts and methodical bruises, as art. Frankly, I have nothing good to say. Needlessly beautiful, hopelessly erotic. A triumph of desire over the imagination like de Sade on a tirade, or Bunuel unhinged from even his propriety. There's True evil, here, Almodovar wants you to find.
Rated 24 Feb 2012
92
94th
I'll say this right up front: don't watch any trailers for this one! Go in knowing as little as possible. On that note, I loved this movie and found it thoroughly entertaining. An original story with a beautiful score and equally beautiful locations make for a movie you won't forget. Elena Anaya is obviously beautiful and has a hell of a performance to boot. With Banderas in so many mediocre films lately, my respect level has shot up. Also see the 1960 horror film Eyes Without a Face.
Rated 02 Oct 2020
88
93rd
What. The. Fuck.
Rated 30 Dec 2012
87
72nd
Quietly disquieting, The Skin I Live In is simultaneously a stellar treatise on what it means to live in our own skin, a matter-of-fact look at bioethics being shat on, and a darned creepy horror movie. I loved all three aspects.
Rated 09 Jan 2012
78
89th
Superb production values and a complex presentation of interesting themes make this melodrama about transformation and reinvention yet further confirmation that Almodóvar is the contemporary director who has most transformed and reinvented himself, from a talented but rather sensationalist perpetrator of farces in the 20th century to the masterful cinematic craftsman he has become in the 21st (well the change may have taken place in 1999 with ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, but you get my point).
Rated 09 Mar 2012
80
77th
A tour-de-force for Almodóvar, this is one of his most accomplished films and works terrifically as a mood piece and elegant genre mash-up. It's evocative and touches plenty of interesting themes like identity, trust and obsession.
Rated 14 Oct 2011
65
58th
Initially what you could hope for from a movie best described as Almodóvar doing Les Yeux Sans Visage, but ironically it's downfall is an uncharacteristically subdued and obvious unveiling of the otherwise appealingly bizarre back story.
Rated 27 Dec 2011
93
76th
Known for his heavily romantic melodramas, Almodóvar wanders into a somewhat new territory with "The Skin I Live In". Incorporating elements of a Hitchcockian thriller, this becomes much more than the typical work of this Spanish auteur. In a sense, it's a maturing of his genre -- although the staple themes of his past films remain -- and a new layer to this master's repertoire.
Rated 19 Dec 2011
80
80th
puss in boots goes crazy
Rated 02 Jul 2015
86
69th
Also known as "Cara Sin Algunos Ojos" ("Face Without Some Eyes").
Rated 13 Oct 2011
60
50th
It begins supremely promisingly. Then the tiger enters! Seriously, though, this is one schizophrenic film. In some of its best moments, Banderas and Anaya deliver honest acting; in other great ones Almodóvar treats us to superbly atmospheric and well-orchestrated trash. He is, infamously, anything but bland - and neither is his color scheme. Disappointingly, a major plot turn is continually telegraphed from the get go and the main relationship isn't investigated fully so as to keep our interest.
Rated 12 Sep 2011
75
40th
This film has grown in my mind since seeing it not long ago...the poster for the film is wonderfully accurate, as my memory from both it and the film are the same - Elena Anaya's beautiful, fear filled eyes. There were flaws; the ending underwhelms somewhat, and there are tonal clashes between character study and screwball comedy, but overall Almodovar's latest film is worth watching if for nothing else than for its beauty...and the brilliance of Antonio Banderas, of course!
Rated 06 Jul 2014
90
90th
Almdovovar's most strident, beautiful (but not quite heavy-handed) treatise on queerness. Maybe not as camp as his early work, but to me it feels like maybe his most personal film?
Rated 06 Feb 2014
4
70th
Almodovar takes plots that could fill several seasons of an especially ridiculous soap opera, crams them into a single screenplay, and then mixes and matches genres as he pleases. This is a horror/mystery movie played as erotic melodrama and it never seems contrived or merely an exercise; his commitment is unwavering. The twist here isn't just a stunt, it sheds all sorts of light on the characters, their motivations and desires. And of course it's stylish as hell.
Rated 24 Nov 2011
87
94th
The closeup shots are brilliant, the angles are inventive, and the imagery of each scene flows together rather cohesively. In terms of cinematography, the direction couldn't have been better. The way Pedro captures the human form is pure eroticism. Now with that being said, the plot is preposterous. I don't mean that in a bad way, but rather I'm trying to relate to others what sets Pedro apart from many directors. It's unfathomable how he makes such a ridiculous movie so brilliant.
Rated 05 Jun 2014
84
77th
I'm not really a fan of Almodovar, but it might be my favourite from him. It's an interesting film that takes his pet subjects in a different direction and there's a lot of good tension. He really plays the horror aspect well, and the slowly dawning reveal of the film is expertly done.
Rated 20 Mar 2017
100
98th
A hell of a lot to unpack here. Needs some revisiting. One of the most forceful and uncomfortable films I've ever seen.
Rated 27 Dec 2011
90
80th
It's a very strange film, therefore, it's a must-see for all Almodóvar fans. It's a very penetrating and fascinating film, which explores in its maximum the madness of revenge and the madness of the main character. It's amazing how the story evolves and still makes you atached with this crazy love story.
Rated 30 Jun 2012
75
65th
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh
Rated 18 Jun 2013
88
81st
Queer gothic at its finest. This could have become campy, lurid schlock INCREDIBLY easily, but Almodovar keeps it held back juuuuuust barely enough for it to work beautifully. And the very end is just heartbreaking.
Rated 29 Oct 2011
83
89th
That was so "metamorphosis 2010".
Rated 12 Jan 2012
83
75th
Fascinating and disturbing. There's a number of plot contrivances, but everything about the story and the characters is compelling so the bumpiness is easily forgotten. The acting stands out as well, but it's worth noting that the actors are given a lot to work with -- complex, three-dimensional characters and an unpredictable, unusual story.
Rated 10 Jan 2012
84
83rd
Almodóvar might be the only director working today who can write a story like this. Well directed and acted too.
Rated 15 May 2013
95
88th
Almodóvar getting back to his roots with a wonderfully twisted soap opera.
Rated 23 Nov 2012
90
80th
The main problem with this film is that it seems rather unremarkable and plodding (and perhaps even annoying) for the first hour, but boy is the second hour good. Definitely worth watching, but you must commit to watch the entire thing.
Rated 06 Jul 2019
75
41st
Bizarre enough, yet delicately immerses my curiosity to unravel bits and pieces of Almodovar's truth in his work. Certainly pleasing in it's own fashion.
Rated 16 Sep 2011
68
51st
Half bland and obscure, half shocking and engaging. Although visually striking and interesting for the most part, the film has far too many flaws and is generally too uneven to be considered a masterpiece but Antonio Banderas' (it's so nice to see him properly acting again instead of being in "Spy Kids" and "Shrek") masterful performance saves the film from dragging and the twist(?) is one of the best I've seen in recent years.
Rated 05 Jan 2012
75
53rd
05 Ocak 2012 & Filmi 2ye bolersek, ilk yarida kadina olan bakis acimiz son derece 'normal'. Hatta bu 'kusursuz' kadinin son derece seksi oldugunu dusunuyoruz. Filmde olaylarin cozuldugu 2. yarida ise gercekleri ogrendikten sonra, bakis acimiz tam tersi bir hal aliyor.Durum karsisinda neredeyse midemiz bulaniyor.Iste almodovar'in yapmaya calistigi sey de tam olarak bunu yuzumuze vurmak.Yonetmen takintili oldugu konu olan cinsel kimlik karmasasi ekseninde surukleyici bir intikam hikayesi anlatmis.
Rated 20 Dec 2011
70
63rd
Very aesthetically pleasing. It's Eyes Without a Face with the Almodovar touch, which isn't as great as it perhaps could have been. It just lacks... something. Apart from the visual aspect, it just feels sort of uninspired. Elena Anaya was insanely beautiful, though, and it was still very solid.
Rated 29 Oct 2011
60
47th
I liked the art-project vibe, but it's mainly uninspired, sunlit decent fun. The story has lots of potential, and deserves better than Almodovar's laziness. It was enjoyable. But that is no brilliant trash. Just a high budget, artistically ambitious soap opera.
Rated 08 May 2016
71
56th
Oh, dear Lord! Antonio Banderas was a man the whole time.
Rated 21 Mar 2012
92
98th
I love the way this movie made me feel, because certainly this is what it's best at. Feel trap, feel confused, feel someone else, feel a strange in your own body.
Rated 06 Nov 2011
90
95th
For a while I was afraid Almodovár had become the Spanish John Waters, bursting on the scene in a blaze of personality and creativity, only to fizzle out in mainstream mush-mindedness. This flick proves my fears were unfounded, or at least a bit premature. No one explores both the depth and humor of obsession like Almodovár. The first movie since his much earlier "Matador" worthy of its fabulous, twisted perversity. Wonderful performances, and visually arresting.
Rated 06 Nov 2015
72
64th
This film is really fucking strange. It isn't gory or suspensful, just kind of eerie. Everything's a bit clinical and off, like a newer Cronenberg film.
Rated 22 Feb 2018
80
89th
This movie is so unsettling in a slow and quiet way. It keeps getting creepier and leaves the viewer puzzled until the point where it made me feel sick and disgusted by human nature. Impressive script and direction, maybe even better acting.
Rated 06 Jul 2019
75
59th
Way more evil than it suggests tonally, but aren't we all?
Rated 23 Oct 2011
90
90th
A wonderfully twisted surprise. What makes it as good as it is is that, having made over 30 films now, Almodóvar's work on this feels like a master veteran's, where everything in it - Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya's performances, the use of camera shots, even the choice of paintings on the walls of the main story location - was carefully chosen and jumps out at the viewer. It's an exceptional film which manages to be subversive and also emotionally fulfilling at the same time.
Rated 24 Apr 2012
70
45th
Reminded me of "Abre los ojos" somehow. The ending was no surprise.
Rated 20 Jun 2013
74
40th
A disturbing but less enchanting movie from Almodóvar.
Rated 09 Dec 2011
85
58th
Everyone elses reviews covers it all... I will just emphasize that it is a 'MUST SEE'... It will definitely twist your brain!
Rated 13 Mar 2012
8
76th
Pygmalion would have been so proud.
Rated 15 Jul 2012
80
51st
twisted and rich. also, very beautiful.
Rated 24 May 2015
87
82nd
E eu achando que era uma espécie de homenagem ao Franju! Ledo engano!
Rated 14 Jan 2012
80
79th
Thought it was all over the place for the first hour or so, but when the twist is revealed all is explained and you can see that there were a few clues in there. Very clever film, well acted by all.
Rated 20 Jul 2017
70
83rd
ger; [die haut in der ich wohne; La piel que habito]; ein brillianter plastischer chirurg verliert seine tochter und forscht deshalb nach der superhaut - zum leidwesen für das menschliche versuchskaninchen.; (sehr krass);
Rated 11 Feb 2014
87
75th
A bizarre movie. It goes on forever and drags a bit but it's worth it in the end.
Rated 03 Oct 2015
95
89th
this is the one of the craziest revenge movie i have ever seen. brillant.
Rated 30 Dec 2011
75
79th
cool and slightly fucked up. although that's already a great combination, the direction was a little too tame for my taste.
Rated 15 Apr 2012
75
66th
Almodovar is at it again with his beloved themes of gender identity and control. What The Skin I Live In lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in suspense. The pacing in this one throws me off a bit, as the film as a whole feels too lean given some of the complex themes at work here. Still, fantastically shot and acted.
Rated 07 Apr 2012
73
28th
The Human Centipede goes arthouse. Almodovar is back, singing the same old gender-and-sexuality songs as ever, but this time he eschews realism and delves into depravity, with underwhelming results. This film's ideas don't gel too well and the characters are little more than puppets. The whole premise is too far-fetched, under-explained, and a far cry from the more social realism-based films with complex female roles that Almodovar used to make. Also it has merely a fraction of the visual flair.
Rated 21 May 2012
79
82nd
The first act is a mess, but then it messes with your mind. And your gut.
Rated 16 Jan 2022
65
27th
A fantastical tale of revenge with a Frankenstein flavor. Some films are hard to get through but then everything falls in place at the end. This film is the opposite. It was gripping throughout but then at the end, you are left to wonder what does it all mean?
Rated 03 Feb 2012
80
48th
All the usual Almodovar traits are here: sex, violence, androgyny and plot twists. Couldn't get any more than moderately excited by any of it.
Rated 04 Oct 2012
90
88th
Another Almadovar classic about a woman's struggle to escape, but she cannot escape who she is inside.
Rated 21 Sep 2023
4
23rd
Yet again proof that Almodovar needs therapy. Revenge story within a revenge story. In your face graphic movie that'll make you go "oh hell no" once you realize what's going on. It's brillantly made and acted, but I can't get into the required vibe.
Rated 18 Feb 2016
16
88th
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 29 Dec 2011
80
84th
It's a mightily strange and unusual movie! Almodóvar's direction is exactly what you'd expect; clean, crisp, pretty with a great use of sound and music. Banderas is probably as good as I have ever seen him, and Anaya excels as the oppressed Vera. Even though themes of death, sexual oppression and loneliness are kind of what you expect from Almodóvar, this still goes places you're never quite expecting, and I really had no clue how it would finish. Recommended.
Rated 31 Oct 2011
85
86th
Fantastic Cinema!
Rated 01 Mar 2012
80
88th
Disturbing...
Rated 30 Nov 2015
95
95th
One of Almodóvar's best.
Rated 05 Aug 2013
90
59th
Very good acting by all. The story unfolds very nicely.
Rated 27 Nov 2011
54
43rd
Brilliant acting, terrible script. That says it all, I guess.
Rated 05 May 2012
94
89th
favorite line: i knew it... a tale of obsession which goes well beyond that.. an excellent movie...
Rated 20 Mar 2012
5
80th
Yeah, that was an impressive twist.
Rated 01 Aug 2014
90
25th
"There's a place where you can take refuge. A place inside you, a place to which no one else has access, a place that no one can destroy."
Rated 29 Jan 2012
74
89th
This is that film from 2011 that left me scratching my head after it ended. I am totally in love with the way Almadovar presents narrative. It's very confusing, but in a good way. When you at last connect the dots you feel like a kid solving big puzzle. Everything about this film is on the level.
Rated 02 Jan 2012
75
61st
that main chick is sexxxay
Rated 29 Jun 2017
75
89th
You wait and wait to see what all this mess will come around to, and if it all will make sense. And well, it does. It's such an outragous story but it all comes together so well and the film flows without a pace issue. Great film overall.
Rated 28 Apr 2012
86
82nd
The whole sexual identity thing worked out pretty well for me this time. After seeing all those exceedingly melodramic and feminine Almadovar films over years. At last.
Rated 04 Aug 2012
86
76th
A twisted/demented movie from the mind of Pedro Almodovar. This film was really good. It reminded me a lot of Frankenstein and how a mad scientist's creation can come back and not only cause harm to the creator but everyone around him. I thought Antonio Banderas did a great job but Elena Anaya was just stunning. There were a few slow parts to the movie but once it got rolling it was awesome. This movie wasn't as sick as advertised which was a relief.
Rated 31 Dec 2012
80
75th
Was this an Almodóvar film? Far more evil than most of his movies, but just as compelling and beautifully shot. Banderas was great, the ultimate charming creeper. And the plot! Crazy!
Rated 16 Jan 2013
88
82nd
Well done! I highly recommend watching this movie without reading any plot synopsis (especially those which may spoil the ending).
Rated 01 Feb 2014
49
26th
i always had some kind of prejudgement for almodovar and looks like i still didn't get over it. although i was really hoping something for me out of this one, it failed again. i never liked almodovar cinematography which irritates me a lot; in addition to that, this is an obvious, totally repulsive, rip-off movie. wish somebody else shot this flick and almodovar always remained as scriptwriter. his direction and style is so negatively irritating for my taste that i can't keep up with his movies.
Rated 24 Feb 2014
75
67th
Müstehcen, cerrah, deri nakli, birini hapsetmek, tecavüz, intikam, cinsiyet degistirme, Çok değişik bir hikayesi var.
Rated 04 Oct 2014
85
93rd
* Casting, Acting : 8.5 * Script : 8.5 * Directing, Aura : 9 * Ease of Viewing : 8 * Naked Eye : 8.5
Rated 19 Feb 2012
80
88th
Very intense and atmospheric throughout. One of Almodovar's finest efforts.
Rated 31 Aug 2011
92
67th
A truly twisted tale! Fantastic!
Rated 19 Dec 2011
90
59th
Sci-Fi from Almadoar?! and you need more motivatoin to see this movie?!
Rated 26 Jan 2013
74
89th
t
Rated 02 Feb 2014
4
91st
An exhilarating and superbly crafted melodrama/tragedy.
Rated 20 Nov 2011
25
61st
"Sometimes in Pedro Almodóvar's cinema, as in The Skin I Live In, looking isn't always the same as seeing." - Ed Gonzalez
Rated 04 Jan 2012
86
90th
A mind-blowing revenge story. Probably one of the bests I've watched since Oldboy. Also maybe the one who has the sickest twist. It's unpleasant, but in a strange way you can't keep yourself admiring it. I loved acting, photography and Almodóvar's capability of story-telling as always, but I wouldn't love the movie as a whole if it's not this much sick, creepy and unpredictable.
Rated 21 Nov 2013
93
87th
Almodovar's supremely perverse skewering of the horror/sci-fi genre may mark some of his finest, atypical work to date, however his usual concerns regarding sexuality and gender identity are explored and on full display (so to speak). Performances are all splendid, with Banderas doing his best work in recent years as the venal doctor, Anaya outstanding as his "muse" and stalwart Paredes exceptional in support. Beautifully designed, with a particularly subtle though striking use of colour.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
91
94th
Fuck me gently with a chainsaw... Proves what 7 years can do to a film, and a person.
Rated 27 Nov 2013
85
69th
Legal e surpreendente.
Rated 02 Nov 2012
70
76th
Fuck, I wish I paid more attention from the start. This is one sadistic mind fuck. If you decide to watch this, pay attention from the beginning and don't fall asleep. Great watch.
Rated 23 Mar 2017
40
10th
I don't like the Canal+ typical visuals and score; the story dragged itself along, but the reveal redeemed it somewhat. Overall, nothing spectacular.
Rated 26 Jun 2012
85
95th
Plot 17/20 Fiction 17/20 Casting/Acting 19/20 Worldbuilding 15/20 Entertainment 17/20
Rated 27 Feb 2014
45
19th
Estúpido
Rated 01 Apr 2016
90
95th
Based on the novel 'Mygale' by French author Thierry Jonquet, 'The Skin I Live In' is a fascinating crime thriller which takes a turn you may not expect. Banderas shines and Anaya ain't half bad either. I haven't read the novel yet but I will after seeing this.
Rated 01 Feb 2012
83
73rd
With such a terrific storyline with so many bizarre and dark twists, it'd be a sin to reveal any plot points, so I'll instead just lazily refer to this film with an overused internet quote -- "this film gives me the weirdest boner" hurr hurr hurr (but it's true!)
Rated 22 Feb 2013
80
81st
watched: 2013, 2022

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