I enjoyed this film very much, the slow pace, the disturbing
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Dxfiler — 20 years ago(October 14, 2005 12:35 AM)
This is a fantastic thread. It's enough to make me post my first post ever.
I've seen alot of the films above and agree they are similar to the "Reflecting Skin". Another movie I'd like to add to the list is "Northfork." It's extremely atmospheric, arguably as tragic, and just a tad more surrealisitc. The setting plays a HUGE role in the film. There are also various religious references, just more obvious than in "Reflecting Skin."
I haven't seen Wicker Man yet (I know, I know :p), but I've heard that's on the same level as Reflecting Skin so i can't wait to see it.
Again thanks for the thread.- Dxfiler
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activista — 20 years ago(January 09, 2006 03:42 PM)
Here's one I thought was in exactly the same spiritor treaded the same spookily disturbing ground as THE REFLECTING SKINa very dark 1989 comedy-drama called PARENTSwith an emphasis on the "dark" part by writer/director Bob Balaban (who played in that weird 1980 Ken Russell flick,ALTERED STATES). I'm actually surprised no one's mentioned PARENTS,considering it's also about a young boy who has some truly,dark disturbing nightmares for his age that seem to center around his parents,who are portrayed as the ideal 1950's married couple (the time period which it's set in) and how he gradually uncovered an extremely frightening secret about said parents. Worth retning outI saw it years ago when it came outit only played in a handful of theatres with very little promotion,none near me-and was chilled to the bone by it. It stars Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt as the seemingly normal parents.
Saw THE REFLECTING SKIN on VHS some years backI have to say it did leave a "WTF was that?" kind of impression on me,even though it's one of my least favorite filmsto me it was way too dark and mean-spirited for its own good,plus it had no soulyou never really felt anything for the characters. I've always though Viggo M. was hot,ever since I saw him in G.I. JANE with Demi Moore,and it is kind of surprising that this flick hasn't been rushed out on DVD just to capitalize on his presence here,since he does have a substantial part in it. It's one-messed-up movie,though. Check out PARENTSdon't know if it's on DVD,either. -
cousinscove77 — 20 years ago(February 14, 2006 05:26 AM)
the spirit is "Heavenly creatures" one. And "Eraserhead" in disturbing eye and consciousness. "Io non ho paura" more for the landscapes and atmospheres than others.
"so much going on
and I wish to hold on" -
uutuus — 19 years ago(April 10, 2006 04:18 AM)
It warms my heart to see that this thread (that I started two years ago) lives on, with serious recommendations and a good discussion.
Thank you all!!!
Of the latest recommendations
Vigil, Tideland (Gilliam), Northfolk, Wicker Man, Parents, Secret Rapture and Lolo
are all films I haven't seen.
Tideland and Secret Rapture are the only ones I had heard of before, and thanks to you lot I have now heard of the rest and have something to look for, or will recognize if I stumble upon a mentioned title in the video store or on tv.
It's nice that some of these films and others earlier mentioned take a grip on the comic side of childhood and other miserable subjects. I could see more of good films that bring up the (necessary?) tension between seriousness and humour.
Some good films that could suit on this thread are (with very few opportunities for laughter, though):
The Return (Vozvrashcheniye)
http://www.imdb.com/board/10376968/
One of those films that creates an almost meditative concentration with the viewer. The film has a very good story.
The Quiet Room
http://www.imdb.com/board/10117422/
By Rolf de Heer who also made the wonderful Alexandra's Project (and eh, Bad Boy Bubby)
Lilja 4-ever
http://www.imdb.com/board/10300140/
An uncompromising film filled with rage and sadness, one of the most important films I have ever seen. -
smoke0 — 19 years ago(August 23, 2006 10:35 PM)
These two films use more claustrophobic settings that mirror the children's somewhat distorted perspectives: (I don't see that anyone has mentioned these, so forgive the redundancy if I missed a post that included them) "Afraid of the Dark", and "Careful, He Might Hear You".
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AmandaByNight — 19 years ago(September 11, 2006 04:28 PM)
I love Afraid of the Dark! In fact, I love a lot of the movies mentioned and am now going to look for a few of the others.
I haven't seen the Reflecting Skin in over 10 years, but the first movie that came to mind was Jack Be Nimble with Alexis Arquette. Amazing film. So worth checking out. Not sure if it's on DVD though.
Amanda By Night -
raphael0033 — 19 years ago(September 13, 2006 01:55 PM)
You should try "Fists in the pocket" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059619
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NateManD — 19 years ago(October 10, 2006 10:57 AM)
The Devil's Backbone (2001) Guillermo Del Toro
(I'm surprised no one has mentioned this film yet. Very creepy and beatiful)
Badlands (1973) Terrence Malick
(Highly underrated crime drama similar to Bonnie & Clyde and Natural Born Killers. Not bizarre, but has atmospheric dreamlike cinematography. The scenery reminded me of "The Reflecting Skin".
Valerie and her Week of Wonders (1970) Jaromil Jires
(Awesome Dark Czech Fairy Tale)
Kytice (2000) (aka. wild flowers)
(Another extremly dark Czech folk lore movie)
(available at www.superhappyfun.com)
Swallowtail Butterfly (1996)
(Awesome Japanese coming of age drama. Like City of God meets Kids)
(also available at www.superhappyfun.com)
Was "City of God" mentioned yet? -
IDinProgress — 19 years ago(March 01, 2007 04:04 PM)
Olivier Olivier didn't really remind me of The Reflecting Skin, not in plot anyway. When the brother and sister are playing the trick on the neighbor in the beginning, yeah, that kind of made me think of The Reflecting Skin. And the fact that both involved child rape and murder.