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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.
Your probable score
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The Skin I Live In

2011
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
2h 0m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 63.5% from 3326 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(3326)
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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 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 31 Dec 2011
75
75th
"Wait, so he -- oh what -- NO! WHAT?! Oh what the -- NOOO. Daaaang! Well, shit."
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 19 Dec 2011
80
80th
puss in boots goes crazy
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 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 02 Oct 2020
88
93rd
What. The. Fuck.
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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 06 Jul 2019
75
59th
Way more evil than it suggests tonally, but aren't we all?
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 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 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 08 May 2016
71
56th
Oh, dear Lord! Antonio Banderas was a man the whole time.
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 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 30 Jun 2012
75
65th
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh
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 29 Oct 2011
83
89th
That was so "metamorphosis 2010".
Rated 15 May 2013
95
88th
Almodóvar getting back to his roots with a wonderfully twisted soap opera.
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 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 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 27 Nov 2011
54
43rd
Brilliant acting, terrible script. That says it all, I guess.
Rated 15 Jul 2012
80
81st
Fucked up - but I love it :)
Rated 28 Nov 2012
75
81st
It certainly went places I didn't expect. In saying that, I wish they had gone a little further. I wish it had been more graphic and uncompromising, as it felt a bit afraid to show everything. Still, I enjoyed it. Antonio Banderas was good, and Elena Anaya was absolutely beautiful. The cinematography and score were also very nice.
Rated 14 Oct 2021
80
71st
Sort of an Iberian Dead Ringers.
Rated 07 Nov 2011
65
42nd
Although "La piel que habito" does contain all the typical Almodóvar elements that make most of his films so gleefully enjoyable (absurd plot twists, elegant cinematography, sex and violence), it's somehow not as pleasurable. It remains a solid film -compelling and interesting throughout- and yet it isn't focused enough as to deliver the sheer elation that other of the director's over-the-top soap operas amply offer.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
74
89th
t
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 20 Mar 2012
5
80th
Yeah, that was an impressive twist.
Rated 03 Feb 2012
80
47th
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 15 Jul 2012
80
51st
twisted and rich. also, very beautiful.
Rated 21 Nov 2013
93
88th
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 15 Feb 2020
55
26th
Solid filmmaking but nothing about its theme and story interests me even in the slightest.
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 18 Jan 2012
70
54th
Aesthetics-wise, it is stunning with some interesting albeit bizarre psychosexual overtones that gave me a queasy kind of enjoyment. But as to the characters' motivations, I was unconvinced. Needed more fleshing out.
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 04 Jan 2022
89
73rd
Pedro Almodóvar ın yönettiği ve bir çok tema (aile draması ,cinayet, psikoloji , kara komedi, trajedi) etrafında dönen ilginç film. Senaryonun etkileyiciliğinin yanısıra filmin görsel anlatımı ve kavramsal ve hissel kara delikleri sizi filmin içinde bir boşluğa sürükleyecektir. Sanatçı ve sanat eserinin , arzuların karşılıklı yer değiştirmesi ve bunu hayata geçiren arkaplan yaşantılar, bir insanı bir heykeltraş gibi objeleştirmenin mümkünatını tartışmaktadır. Film temaları arasındaki ilerleyiş
Rated 23 Apr 2017
90
80th
Viewed April 22, 2017.
Rated 19 Feb 2012
80
88th
Very intense and atmospheric throughout. One of Almodovar's finest efforts.
Rated 06 Jan 2012
77
77th
Almodovar quality of directing and acting. But it was also in crocked Almodovar way predictable. Don't get me wrong. I liked the story; it was different. Though they talk much about vampires, it was more close to Boxing Helena, a modern Frankenstein story. But the story gave a lot to think about.
Rated 11 May 2012
69
45th
Visually as striking as any other Almodovar flick with its bright reds in abundance, but far from the usual humanist warmth of previous movies of the famous director. Begins slow, enigmatic but also a bit boring. Picks up speed late. The plot is so predictable and oh-so-convenient, and not engaging. Acting-wise it is pretty good though, and not a waste of time anyway.
Rated 20 Jun 2013
74
40th
A disturbing but less enchanting movie from Almodóvar.
Rated 21 May 2012
79
82nd
The first act is a mess, but then it messes with your mind. And your gut.
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 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 18 Dec 2021
92
85th
It didn't grab me emotionally as much, but the trick it plays on the mind made it very interesting. It stuck with me for a few days.
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 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 05 Mar 2017
70
41st
He almost lost me when I realised where the plot was going (the incest mislead, and then the kidnapping, which is almost worse), but he remained so committed it continued to work despite the ludicrousness (I mean, who does ludicrous better than Pedro?) until that baffling, truly baffling cut to the end credits, one of the worst I've ever seen. I'm sitting here still wondering if I somehow got a version that prematurely cuts off the real ending because what the fuck?
Rated 24 Apr 2012
70
45th
Reminded me of "Abre los ojos" somehow. The ending was no surprise.
Rated 20 Mar 2017
90
85th
2012
Rated 31 Oct 2011
85
86th
Fantastic Cinema!
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 24 Dec 2011
77
46th
You have to applaude the surpassing of shock value Almodóvar continuously casts on his audience.
Rated 03 Jan 2012
70
50th
It takes around an hour to figure out what kind of film this is. That first hour I found a little tedious. The second hour, without spoiling anything, was captivating. The film's worth plowing through if you find yourself bored and confused like myself, but take care not to spoil yourself prior to seeing the film.
Rated 04 Sep 2011
83
67th
The set design, costumes, cinematography, pretty much anything visual was lovely and as to be expected from Almodovar, and it was backed up by some fantastic performances, especially Banderas, who sheds any Hollywood trappings pretty much instantly. The plot is great but the pacing was a little off and I feel like maybe a second viewing's needed to get to the reasoning behind the extremely abrupt third act. Still, creepy and unpredictable.
Rated 10 Nov 2020
1
2nd
Get fucked, Pedro
Rated 02 Feb 2014
4
91st
An exhilarating and superbly crafted melodrama/tragedy.
Rated 24 Feb 2024
72
42nd
Opinión personal: 7 Actores: 7.5 Guión: 7 Fotografía: 7 BSO: 7.5 Otros:7 Iluminación: FX: Director:7 Humor: Vestuario/caracterización: Ritmo: Total: 72
Rated 09 Jan 2012
80
63rd
I felt like a little more could be left to the imagination, but it seems like the point of the film was the meticulous unraveling of the plot. Still, it felt a little long. Great soundtrack, and terrific acting all around (Antonio Banderas really surprised me with his ability to portray the psychotic Robert.)
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 07 Mar 2016
5
43rd
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh everyone I like likes this but I'm not too fond of it #deep
Rated 19 Feb 2024
85
94th
Extremely intense. Full of twists and turns, this complex and emotionally gripping film is one of the most morally ambiguous things I've seen, in the best way.
Rated 05 May 2012
94
89th
favorite line: i knew it... a tale of obsession which goes well beyond that.. an excellent movie...
Rated 27 Nov 2013
85
69th
Legal e surpreendente.
Rated 11 Dec 2011
87
81st
one of the best Almodovar movies... cinematography is extraordinary, acting is great and it has such a mind numbing plot with twists. Soundtrack is very well chosen (again) It will be remembered as a milestone in the `crazy scientist` genre...
Rated 31 Jan 2021
85
32nd
Some scenes in the movie are too much and creepy. Don't really know how to rate it, the concept is original and the obsession of Banderas is crazy.
Rated 03 Dec 2014
82
88th
Almodóvar show he also can make a more subdued but still very suspenseful and moody genre film if he wants to. Like before he also is be able to get the best out of Banderas (like he also does with Penelope Cruz in other movies).
Rated 18 Feb 2016
16
88th
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 26 Jun 2012
85
95th
Plot 17/20 Fiction 17/20 Casting/Acting 19/20 Worldbuilding 15/20 Entertainment 17/20
Rated 22 Sep 2020
6
55th
Not among Pedro's best but creepy and haunting, with a strong, subtle performance by Banderas. Another masterful score by the great Alberto Iglesias. That he has never been Oscar noted by for his work with Almodovar is a crime of Christopher Doyle/Wong Kar-Wai proportions.
Rated 05 Oct 2013
80
64th
79.500
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 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);

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