Skins (2002)

Undescribable Perfection

Let's be realistic.

Fresh and Exciting

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Seeing stars Graham Greene and Eric Schweig in other, more mainstream films, and, latterly, Schweig excelling in the adorable and brave modern fairy tale that is "Big Eden", combined with an interest in the great hidden shame that is reservation life in North America, to make me get hold of "Skins" on DVD. The story: Rudy Yellow Lodge is a reservation cop who turns vigilante in disgust at the abuses he sees around him. Meanwhile his Viet vet brother is drinking himself into an early grave, and the white town on the border of the reservation gets rich selling him and his friends alcohol. The story is not always skilfully told, but it is punctured by moving and well-done moments. But when a film and its makers take big risks, and overcome huge obstacles to make something with social and historical significance, you make certain allowances. One of the signs of a successful minority culture thriving within a dominant society, is when its cultural life 'owns' and masters all art forms. A cinema in its infancy doesn't progress by everyone sitting around thinking what kind of films they'd make if someone would only let them – rather, it progresses because someone like Chris Eyre stands up and tries, and even if he doesn't completely succeed, has helped really start something. It's pretty amazing that "Skins" got made at all. Many of the people whose lives it spotlights got to see the film only because of director Chris Eyre's "Rolling Rez" tour, where the film was shown on reservations and in selected cities in an adapted truck. This should tell you starkly enough why it's necessary for films like this, flawed as they are, to be made, and seen.And yes, it's very flawed indeed. It's so easy to sit in my armchair thousands of miles from the stark brutalities of rez life, and point, remote control in my hand, to the inconsistencies, plot holes, the slightly stiff and unconvincing acting in the minor roles (though I'd point out that they wouldn't seem half so stiff if the script had been sharper). These things do diminish the film as a whole, and I kept thinking, if only they'd had some Hollywood money here – some script editing there – but that's the whole problem. Even if the script had made it to the desk of Hollywood's Junior Vice-President Butcher of Scripts, by the time it emerged, the largely native cast would have been condensed to a single, wryly funny sidekick whilst the hero, a white guy from the local town, takes on the infamous beer sellers single-handedly, with an upbeat message at the end. So ultimately the sheer existence of a Native cinema by, and for, Native Americans (I think I prefer the thinking behind Russell Means' more controversial "American Indians"), and using Native source material, is more important than its weaknesses.Leads Greene and Schweig do an excellent job as the brothers in difficult circumstances, and the final scenes are powerful and emotional, and do justice to all involved. Greene's portrayal of what could have been a vastly unsympathetic character marks him out as a very talented, nuanced actor. It's extremely hard to bring pathos to an extended portrayal of an alcoholic. But the last word goes to Eric Schweig: during an interview once he was asked a question along the lines of, how would he address the stereotyping and misrepresentation of Native Americans in films? He laughs and says simply "make our own!"

Skins (2002) C-87m. ***½ D: Chris Eyre. Graham Greene, Eric Schweig, Gary Farmer, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Noah Watts, Lois Red Elk, Chaske Spencer, Michael Spears, Myrton Running Wolf, Leonard George. Moving, searing film centering on the relationship of two contrasting Oglala Lakota brothers living on the Pine Ridge reservation. Compelling story wrestles issues ranging from alcoholism to brotherly love, accomplished in stark atmosphere with all-too-realistic touches that make it penetrating. Greene is unforgettable as a shattering drunkard. Written from Adrian C. Louis' same-titled novel by Jennifer D. Lyne.

"Skins" is much better than I thought it would be. I was expecting a stereo-typical rendition of life on an Indian Reservation, but instead was treated to an all-American story about a family with problems. It is a very well written story that really moves along. Going in, I thought it would be torture to sit through, but, it was over before I knew it, and was a delight all the way. As a result of seeing "Skins" I see Mt. Rushmore as the period at the end of a long and bloody sentence in the history of man in North America.

Caught the premiere of "Skins" at the Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan. 14, 2002. This is an excellent film and a fine sophomore effort from director Chris Eyre. Graham Greene gives a multi-layered performance as the tragic Mokie... a drunken Indian humanized maybe on film for the first time. Eyre said afterwards that every drunk is someone's uncle, someone's father, someone's brother. He isn't into victimology but puts the issues out there for all of us to own... and be responsible for. The other lead actor is Eric Schweig, who gives a brilliant performance as Mokie's younger brother, a rez cop who turns vigilante. There were one or two performers who were a little wooden (no pun intended). At one point the pipe carrier climbs on his soapbox and he sounds amateurish and rehearsed. But overall, the performances are solid. Also... its important to note that this is a film with Indians in most, if not all, of the major creative positions and it stands tall on its own merits. Many laughs and a few tears. Genuinely moving film. Highly recommended. Washtay do! Pidamayah, Chris!