The Skin I Live In

Director Pedro Almodóvar is known as a world-class filmmaker and one of the finest directors of women, as evidenced in films as diverse as "Talk to Her" and "All About My Mother" and more-recent movies "Volver" and "Broken Embraces." But in his first "horror" thriller, "The Skin I Live In," he has explored territory not even his most ardent fans could have imagined. This is one of those films that is almost impossible to talk about without giving away its secrets, destroying the twists and turns the story takes, and ruining the prime experience of seeing a master filmmaker working at the absolute top of his game. Reuniting with his frequent star, Antonio Banderas, for the first time in 20 years (since "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!") and giving a major role to one of Spain's most promising new stars, Elena Anaya ("Sex and Lucia"), who had a small role 10 years ago in Almodóvar's "Talk to Her," seems to have energized the director, who comes up with his most intriguing work in quite a while.

The basic plot is simple, a sort of twisted take on "Frankenstein," revolving around renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Ledgard (Banderas), whose wife was burned in a car accident, spurring him to invent a new kind of skin that might have saved her. It has taken 12 years, but he has finally perfected this shield-like skin and needs a guinea pig to try it out. This brings Vera (Anaya) into his life and lab, as she undergoes a complicated transformation. For the film's first hour or so, Banderas keeps his character focused and in tight control. It may be the most internal performance this fine actor has ever given, as whatever demons appearing later are kept deep inside. Banderas essentially underplays it, making the power of the plot's tricky transitions all the more plausible and powerful. Anaya has it even tougher, as she must play much of her role in a nude leotard and behind a mask. Falling back on the essence of screen acting, she uses her eyes like actors did in the great silent movies. Her frequent yoga-style movements are mesmerizing, and ultimately this unique character wins us—and Robert—over in ways you will have to see to believe. Also standing out in the fine Spanish cast are Marisa Paredes, as Robert's faithful servant, and Jan Cornet as a young man in for more than he bargained.

"The Skin I Live In" is almost Hitchcockian in its style, but Almodóvar has ultimately crafted a cat-and-mouse game of changing identity that's as fascinating as it is positively chilling to watch.

Genre: Drama
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Written by Pedro Almodóvar and Agustin Almodóvar
Starring Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Marisa Paredes, Jan Cornet