A Skin so Soft

Synopsis

“Smooth, bulging, oiled, tatted, exposed: Denis Côté’s humane fascination with six bodybuilders tosses aside grandstanding and focuses on the odd duality of man and muscle. (…) True to his admirably eclectic approach, the maverick director weaves together portraits of six bodybuilders that push to the margins personal details and grand statements about the sport. More like a true portrait painter, he focuses on the surface of things knowing that, when images are well chosen and the presentation is right, skin can offer a wealth of details. (…) The film’s biggest fascination lies in the duality of man and muscle: it’s hard not to make animalistic comparisons when talking about their looks and behavior. (…) Nonetheless, Côté assures them a humanity as well, without trying to analyze their obsession with this extravagant concept of masculinity, nor the need for self-display. On the docu-fiction spectrum, Skin sits comfortably on the docu side of things. (…) Otherwise, unlike Carcasses, there’s no fictional overlay. François Messier-Rheault’s camera can get very close to its subjects, captivated by texture and shape that balances nicely with diverting, though never mocking, compositions.” (Jay Weissberg, Variety)

Around The World in 14 Films 2017, presented by Thomas Arslan – in attendance of director Denis Côté

With the support of the Embassy of Canada and the Agency of the government of Québec

Merken

Merken