Skinned Deep, an American thriller directed by Gabriel Bartalos and released in 2004 is highly recommended to fans and horror fans. The Rockwell family wanders off on the road and ends up living with an eccentric family. This family is comprised of a woman and her three sons whom they call Brain, Plates, and Surgeon General (Jason Dugre and Warwick Davis respectively) (Kurt Carley). As the story unfolds it becomes clear that the family has been involved in illegal activity and presents risks to the Rockwells. The news comes as no surprise.
Skinned Deep is an unforgettable horror film because of its outrageous set pieces, funny moments, and its rapid-fire cutting. Its humor and pace of the movie were appreciated by the reviewer of Variety, Dennis Harvey, who described the film as "funny as well as perversely repetitive." Yet, Steve Barton of Dread Central gave the film 2.5 stars, noting the overuse of outdated cliches and monotonous narrative as motives for his rating. Due to the special effects, its aesthetic that is reminiscent of the 1980sand frantic pace, Ryan Larson of Bloody Disgusting has described it as "one of the most completely bizarre horror films in the 2000s."
The low budget this film had wasn't enough to keep Bartalos from creating a thriller film in the vein of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. Instead, he devised an unorthodox science-fiction/slasher mix which is completely incomprehensible on top of being completely off the mark. Bartalos's previously worked on the special effects for the well-known horror films like "Frankenhooker" as well as "Brain Damage" prior to working on "Skinned deep" is evidence of his penchant for the absurd.
Skinned Deep is a good selection for horror buffs who are looking for something different to watch, despite its limited budget and outdated effects which might put off some viewers. After the initial half hour, which seems like an exact copy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre however, the film takes on unexpected turns, which makes some of the greatest horror films from the decade. This is what helps the film gain its spot among its best films of the genre. This is a horror film which will stay with you because of its peculiar tone and quirky ensemble that includes the crazy plate-throwing guy known as Plates and the Surgeon General.
The most well-known elements from Skinned Deep are the various creature design and effects applied throughout the film. Bartalos who works in the department of visual effects, conjures up an ensemble of intriguing and bizarre individuals and then brings their characters back to life. The characters, ranging from the dangerous plate-throwing Plates through the armed Surgeon General, all possess distinct appearances and personas, which reflect in their styles. It was a huge effort to create both the clothing and makeup that is the primary reason for the film's otherworldly atmosphere.
The use in the film of realistic effects, music that was strongly influenced by the 80s and a vibrant color palette contribute to the film's distinctive nostalgic vibe. In addition, while giving something new to the genre of horror the film pays homage to several of the most memorable films from the genre's history.
Although the story has been tried before, the film's implementation is where its strengths lie. The audience is kept on their toes by the bartalos-created universe because it is both unpredictable and a bit bizarre. There won't be much time to get your breath back between the many acts of violence and mayhem that are scheduled to take place.
Many people don't like Skinned Deep. It's weird, strange and at times. It's quite bizarre. For those who are looking to see the film's creative risk within the genre should definitely give it a look. Skinned Deep is able to differentiate itself from other horror movies because it is based on an original (click now to see vlog) concept as well as the fact that the filmmaker placed his emphasis on creating authentic effects.