Under the Skin is an original film, based on the novel by Michel Faber. After falling in love with the story and several drafts later, director and co-writer, Jonathan Glazer, decided to move away from an illustrative adaptation and rather tap into the essence of the main character’s experiences. The project was in development for 10 years before Scarlett Johansson signed on and it became a reality.

Just like Kubrick’s take on The Shining, Glazer approached Under the Skin on his own terms rather than deferring to the author’s. His handling of the script and filming process was more about capturing a sense of truth and navigating with an “emotional compass”. The sense of alienation comes from this undercurrent, which is powerfully sublimated by an “emotionless” performance from Scarlett Johansson.

Each scene essentially locked Johansson and Glazer into a dark room and required them to feel their way for the light switch. This quest for a state of consciousness rather than relying on conventional storytelling, gives the film an other-worldliness.Under the Skin is approached from the alien’s point-of-view, making the bursts of humanity just as unusual as some of the cold violence.

Scarlett Johansson didn’t really have much to hang her performance on. The sparse scripting, cold characterisation and multiple nude scenes must have made the filming process quite a terrifying prospect. Yet, Johansson captures the essence of the director’s vision in a performance that embodies Glazer’s elusive, dangerous, disturbing, haunting, mesmerising and beautiful nightmare.

“Alright, Mr. Glazer, I’m ready for my close-up.”

Glazer shot many of the scenes with a small crew in a documentary style to engender a real atmosphere and response, where it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish the actors from the subjects. This authentic feeling is continued into the surreal scenes, simultaneously grounding them and swathing them in alienation. There aren’t any big budget effects, making Under the Skin palpable and disconcerting.

The stripped down thriller is described as “unadorned”. It’s propelled by paradoxes, casting a famous Hollywood star to play a role he initially envisaged giving to an unknown actress. She’s downplayed by her wig and wardrobe, at times showing a naked and vulnerable Johansson, yet playing an alien void of inhibition. The journey unfolds as if the film crew were in fact tracking an alien temptress trying to lure and abduct men.

It’s a fascinating experience, which is made all the more unsettling by a soundtrack, which would have been right at home in a deep space thriller. Mica Levi’s music adds a thick crust to Under the Skin, layering the visuals and contributing to the unnerving and haunting atmosphere.

Under the Skin’s message is elusive. This doesn’t seem intentional, but rather a byproduct of the director’s drive to sculpt the film into an emotional form. It wouldn’t have been as compelling or scary without that sense of uncertainty, established by paradoxes, Laura’s anonymity and the underlying mystery. The character’s shift is gradual and bizarre as she becomes more self-aware.

Glazer and Johansson have concocted an independent art film that will be a revelation to some and a dull disconnect for others. We live through Laura’s alien lens and this distorted view of life will fascinate some and derail others. Under the Skin is an abstract, experimental, spontaneous, surreal and emotional experience and the sort of nightmare you don’t mind entertaining.

The bottom line: Unsettling

Release date: 23rd May, 2014
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