A One Mann’s Movies review of “Deerskin” (2021).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
This French movie (with subtitles) by Quentin Dupieux is a black comedy that veers towards the violently absurd. So it certainly won’t be for everyone.
(Post update: I’ve been thinking about this movie a lot, so have upped my original rating by half a point!).
If your Uber driver for your ride home from the cinema is wearing deerskin… think again. (Source: Atelier de Production).
Plot Summary:
Georges (Jean Dujardin) travels to a provincial French town in the Alps to pay over-the-odds for a deerskin jacket. A man in crisis, he and the jacket share a common dream. And the man and his jacket will stop at nothing to both fulfil the dream AND put it on film, with the help of a drafted editor and financier Denise (Adèle Haenel).
Killer style. No question. I’m into it. (Source: Atelier de Production).
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Adèle Haenel.
Directed by: Quentin Dupieux.
Written by: Quentin Dupieux.
The dynamic relationship between film director and editor. Dujardin and Haenel. (Source: Atelier de Production).
“Deerskin” Review:
Positives:
- There’s an anarchy to the black comedy on show in Deerskin that’s mildly exhilarating. It really IS bloody bonkers. But the absurd story, of a man spiralling into a deerskin-lined black hole, is delivered in an extremely entertaining way.
- It’s all delivered with a straight face by Dujardin (famous of course as the Oscar-winner from “The Artist”). And very good he is at it too.
- Adèle Haenel was one of the two lovers in “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (actually completed after this movie, which has been on the Covid-shelf since 2019). Here she again shows star-power as the barmaid with dreams of hitting the movie-making big-time. Every absurd twist and turn seems to be believable in her hands, once you understand that she is “into it”.
For those who ignore subtitled films… don’t. You very quickly get used to them. (Source: Atelier de Production).
Negatives:
- The anarchic story and the extreme violence will not be for everyone. There were 2 walk-outs in my cinema (about 10% of the Cineworld Unlimited audience).
- A few of the lines irritate: Georges mistakenly saying “creditor” instead of “editor” was an example.
Can you dig it? (Though the digger driver WAS wearing a jacket?) (Source: Atelier de Production).
Summary Thoughts on “Deerskin”:
Based on the trailer, I really wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this one. But it has a style about it that is unmistakable. I had no idea where it was going, and the denouement was surprising and satisfying.
It’ll be a “marmite” film for sure – some will love it; many will hate it. I doubt there will be much middle ground for this one.
“Monkey”?
There is a “monkey” a few seconds into the end credits. Doesn’t add much, to be honest.
Trailer:
The trailer for “Deerskin” is here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVT4jlEJYQA .
