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Under the Skin

Starring: Scarlett Johansson
Directed by: Jonathan Glazer
Screenplay by: Walter Campbell
Based on the novel by Michel Faber

     Be careful folks, Scarlett Johansson is an alien!
     She calls herself Laura.  She has fallen to Earth and has assumed the form of a human.  There isn't a whole lot of a story here, but basically she goes around Scotland preying on young, hitch-hiking men.  She picks them up in her van.  If you're one of these guys, you don't want to get in that van.  Creepy and strange things happen.  There's also a guy who's on a motorcycle, riding around Scotland, whose role isn't exactly clear.
     There is very little dialogue throughout the film and most of the story is told through silence.  There is almost no action in this film either, and when something is happening, it usually isn't that interesting.
     Scarlett Johansson delivers a strong performance even though she plays a pretty boring character.  The other characters, the men she picks up in her van, are real people.  Director Jonathan Glazer placed hidden cameras throughout the van and didn't tell any of them that they were going to be part of this movie until they actually were finished with their part.
     There are some scenes, especially the opening scene, that seem as if they could be straight out of a Stanley Kubrick film (I'm thinking 2001: A Space Odyssey).  It opens with something that I don't even know how to explain (something intriguing enough that you should see this film).  It ultimately turns into a shot of Johansson's eye, and the progression of that particular scene is pretty cool.

IF YOU'RE A FAN OF HOLLYWOOD MOVIES
     I don't recommend this film.  I counted seven people leaving the theater part way through the movie.  You are going to sit there and be bored the entire time.  And I'm not even kidding about that.  The lack of action, slow pacing of the movie, and some of the long shots will make you squirm in your seat out of boredom.  This is not going to be a movie that will entertain you and frankly, you are probably wasting your time.  Don't worry though, because there are better movies out there.

IF YOU'RE A FAN OF INDEPENDENT MOVIES
      This is a pretty good film.  The direction is quite interesting.  The visuals are stunning.  You still might get bored at some parts of the film, but if you're a fan of watching a movie directed by someone who isn't a huge name in Hollywood, this is the film for you.  The story is basic and simple and it's a good use of your time to go watch this movie.  This movie is a great work of art that shows us what it means to be alive and to appreciate ourselves in our bodies.  I strongly recommend this film.

      Overall, I'm not a huge fan of this film, probably because I'm so used to fast paced movies that Hollywood so often produces.  However, I do recommend giving this movie a try.
      I give Under the Skin a C+.

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