Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
SMOKE SIGNALS was a tremendous film, moving and smart and acutely well-observed. I’m dying to see anything Chris Eyre works on, and this is the first review I’ve read for his new film SKINS.
Of course, it’s resident lunatic Massawyrm at the helm today, so god only knows what we’re in for. Let’s be brave and read together, okay?
Hola all. Massawyrm here (yet again, busy week huh?) with a look at Chris Eyre's sophomore effort, the native American drama "Skins". Now this is a real honest to god indie being distributed by First Look pictures, slowly making its way around the country in limited release. And it's one well worth checking out.
Like "Smoke Signals" before it (Chris Eyre's previous film), this is a film centered around the lives of Native Americans eking out an existence on their Reservation, and focuses upon poignant social commentary on the state of the Native American nation and its place in the world. This film is both touching and funny, and while obviously bitter and making very strong points about America's treatment of it's native people, it never falls into the trap of chronic bashing or jaded portrayals of it's white characters. It makes it's point, and very well, without the threat of angering its audience.
Chris Schweig is Rudy Yellow Lodge, a local reservation police officer forced to deal first hand with his devastated people. Domestic violence and public drunkenness is the bulk of his beat, and we are allowed to view these acts not just in a visceral COPS-like way - situation by situation - but rather we see it on the whole, both its causes and its effects through Rudy's eyes. Rudy suffers frustration as with each situation we see that he wants to do more, that he wants to change the world he lives in, but he can't. He's trapped in the very same cycle as the rest of the reservation and there's only so much he can do.
Compounding the situation is his drunken older brother Mogie, played brilliantly in the role of a lifetime by Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves, Thunderheart, Maverick). Mogie is a fall down drunk, who wastes his days away is blurry alcoholic haze, living off of VA checks and his brothers kindness. Greene's portrayal is an amazing piece of character work, being at times laugh out loud hilarious while gut wrenchingly heartfelt at others. Mogie is an unforgettable character, perfectly woven into his setting to illustrate the plight of the Native American people. He's a man of many emotions, most of them drunk, and yet despite all his failings, all of the troubles he brings upon himself and Rudy, he is absolutely endearing. Graham Greene puts his all into Mogie, and it shows. While a small indie film like this has no hope of garnering a single bit of Oscar attention, I hope to God that the Spirit or SAG awards take notice of the wonderful Character work here and give Greene the credit he deserves. His portrayal is masterful and the finest work I've ever seen out of Greene.
When Rudy decides that he's finally going to do something to change the world his troubles are only compounded and he finds the trickster spirit hounding him at every turn. Between the problems of his reservation and the problems of his brother, Rudy finds himself torn and ultimately must come to grips with his own place in the world.
What makes this movie so worthwhile is its eloquent use of subtlety to tell its story. What appears to be a simple drama really has alot to say and many clever, quiet ways to say it. Chris Eyre is developing into a quite an interesting director and I'm very much hoping that some of the big boys are watching and are willing to fund his future efforts. He's telling stories that need to be told in a way that can be enjoyed and interpreted by all and not just those the movie might SEEM targeted at.
It's impossible to see this film and ever look at Mt. Rushmore and its meaning the same way again. A film capable of doing that, love it or hate it, is one very much worth taking a look at. One look at the poster for this film and you know you're in for something interesting.
You can find the trailer for Skins RIGHT HERE as well as a listing of release dates and theatres RIGHT HERE under the theatre section. For those of you looking for wonderful indie fare, Skins delivers on all counts.
Until next time friends, smoke 'em if ya got 'em. I know I will.
I like making smoke signals. I use them to spell out dirty messages as I drive past grade schools every day!!
You know what’s really scary? That’s not the only Massawyrm review I have to inflict on you today. Forgive me. Please. I beg you.
"Moriarty" out.
