The Reflecting Skin (1990)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Philip Ridley

Writer:

Philip Ridley (writer)

Release Date:

9 November 1990 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

Sometimes terrible things happen quite naturally

Plot:

A young boy tries to cope with rural life circa 1950s and his fantasies become a way to interpret events...

Plot Keywords:

Vampire | Young Boy | Rural Setting | Child Abuse | Nuclear Weapons

Awards:

6 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Viggo Mortensen	...	Cameron Dove
Lindsay Duncan	...	Dolphin Blue
Jeremy Cooper	...	Seth Dove
Sheila Moore	...	Ruth Dove
Duncan Fraser	...	Luke Dove
David Longworth	...	Joshua, Eben's Father
Robert Koons	...	Sheriff Ticker
David Bloom	...	Deputy
Evan Hall	...	Kim
Codie Lucas Wilbee	...	Eben
Sherry Bie	...	Cassie
Jason Wolff	...	Cadillac Driver
Dean Hass	...	Cadillac Passenger
Guy Buller	...	Cadillac Passenger
Jason Brownlow	...	Cadillac Passenger

Also Known As:

L'enfant miroir (Canada: French title) (TV title)

Runtime:

95 min | Canada:115 min (Ontario)

Country:

UK | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:M | Canada:14+ (Ontario) | Finland:K-16 | Germany:16 (f) | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Alberta, Canada

Company:

Bialystock & Bloom Limited

Quotes:

Cameron Dove: Why don't you go play with your friends?
Seth Dove: They're all dead.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Ancient Evil 2: Guardian of the Underworld (2005) (V)

Recommended provided you aren't already feeling depressed or suicidal

Its a shame Philip Ridley only made one other film, because "The Reflecting Skin" is quite unlike anything else I've seen. Michael Weldon in the "Psychotronic Encyclopedia" nails it on the head when describing it as "'Days of Heaven' as directed by David Lynch." While it isn't as good as "Blue Velvet", its certainly quite an interesting achievement in its own. The film has a nightmarish vibe thats bound to haunt you long afterwords. The lush, beautiful scenery only adds to the depressing tone of the film. It seems none of these characters will ever be able to escape their surroundings, and they never seem to do so. The acting all around is very good, especially Viggo Mortensen (why he hasn't become a massive star yet is beyond me) and a chilling yet sympathetic turn from Lindsay Duncan.

The film isn't flawless however. To be quite frank, despite the resonance of the overall project, there are moments that are way too pretentious. From the brother coming home to the discovery of the mummified fetus, the film just becomes far too bizarre. Also, the ending of the boy running into the fields and letting out an anguished scream is just too much. And unlike "Blue Velvet", this ultimately doesn't really seem to be saying anything. Still, this is one of the grimmest flicks ever made about childhood and is recommended provided you aren't already feeling depressed or suicidal. No other film I've seen since possibly "Eraserhead" has given me such a sense of gloom. (7/10)