Review by: Topo Sanchez
SCUM Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Today we came across a gem of a short film that embodies the very ethos of SCUM Cinema; that you don’t need a multi-million budget to produce a genuinely interesting film with breathtaking visuals. And the best part? The film is available to watch for free online.
He Took Off His Skin For Me is a rather bizarre story about a man who literally takes off his skin for his fiance when she asks him to. ( Is this supposed to be a metaphor with a much deeper meaning, we will leave it to you, the viewer, to add your own interpretation.) It starts out like any other relationships, with a honeymoon period of discovery and intimacy. But once the dust settles, things start to go downhill.
Ben Aston is a great storyteller who captivates the audience with his careful pacing and meticulous editing. He has turned an absurd premise into something tangible and believable – by getting us under the skin of the character to feel his pain, physically and emotionally.
Kudos to Colin Arthur (Never Ending Story) and the students in the special effects team for having the guts and dedication to go all in. I am sure every single one of them will have a very bright career ahead of them. The colour and lighting is flawless too…
Well, I could go on and on singing praises about the film, but I think its best you watch and let it speak for itself. I know its only January, but I think this could be one of the most interesting visuals you will see in 2015.
Oh yes, don’t forget to watch the Behind the Scenes video as well!
