The Man Who Sold His Skin is a 2020 Tunisian-French-Belgian co-production directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, starring Yahya Mahayni, Dea Liane, and Koen De Bouw. The movie premiered at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Best Actor award. The story revolves around Sam Ali (played by Yahya Mahayni), a Syrian refugee who escaped from the civil war and now lives in Lebanon with his partner Abeer (played by Dea Liane). Sam is a talented young man who works odd jobs to make ends meet.
One day, Sam meets Jeffrey Godefroi (played by Koen De Bouw), a famous and controversial Belgian artist who is preparing for his latest exhibition. Jeffrey looks at Sam and sees an opportunity to create his masterpiece. He offers Sam a deal: he will pay Sam a large sum of money in exchange for tattooing a visa on his back, allowing him to travel freely anywhere he wants.
Initially hesitant, Sam eventually accepts the offer, hoping that the money will help him reunite with his lover and start a new life together. However, he soon realizes that the tattoo is not just a simple piece of art but an actual visa that he must carry with him to ensure his freedom of movement. This realization complicates his relationship with Abeer and puts him in danger as he becomes an object in the art world's spotlight.
As the exhibition approaches, Sam becomes increasingly frustrated with the commodification of his body and the insincerity of the art world. He begins to question his decision and clashes with Jeffrey, who sees Sam as nothing more than a canvas for his art. Meanwhile, Abeer tries to support him but faces her own struggles as a woman in a patriarchal society.
The Man Who Sold His Skin is a thought-provoking movie that sheds light on complex issues such as immigration, exploitation, and identity. The film's narrative is gripping, and the pacing is well-executed, keeping the viewers engaged throughout. The acting performances are exceptional, with Yahya Mahayni delivering a nuanced portrayal of Sam's character, capturing his emotions of hope, frustration, and despair. Dea Liane's performance as Abeer is equally noteworthy, highlighting the challenges that women face in conservative societies. Koen De Bouw brings out the character of Jeffrey, a narcissistic artist who values his work more than human life.
The movie's cinematography and visual effects are brilliant, enhancing the philosophical themes of the movie. The use of symbolism, especially the tattoo on Sam's back, is powerful and drives home the message of the film. The soundtrack by Amine Bouhafa also deserves a mention, as it beautifully complements the film's emotional intensity.
In conclusion, The Man Who Sold His Skin is an emotionally charged film that touches upon various aspects of the human condition. It is a perfect example of how cinema can be used to explore critical social and cultural issues. The movie's success in international film festivals such as Venice and the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma is a testament to its significance and artistic merit.
The Man Who Sold His Skin is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 64.
