Chris Eyre, the director celebrated for his poignant debut, "Smoke Signals," returns to the cinematic landscape with "Skins," a film that plunges into the heart of the Oglala Sioux community. This second feature film is a powerful, often unsettling exploration of identity, brotherhood, and the enduring scars of history. "Skins" confronts the complex realities of life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a place grappling with poverty, unemployment, and the persistent struggle to preserve cultural heritage. The film isn’t simply a narrative; it’s an immersion into a world defined by resilience, pain, and the search for redemption.
"Skins" distinguishes itself from Eyre’s earlier work with a raw intensity. While "Smoke Signals" benefited from Sherman Alexie’s sharp wit and graceful characterizations, "Skins" delves into darker, more turbulent emotional territory. The film grapples with a rawness that can, at times, feel technically less polished than its predecessor. Despite this, the film’s ambition to portray the profound struggles of its characters is undeniable. The film showcases a considerable technical advancement on the first film, but is not as stable and often struggles to find an emotional rhythm.
Adapted from Adrian C. Louis’s novel by screenwriter Jennifer D. Lyne, "Skins" unfolds as a series of vivid impressions, painting a portrait of a community burdened by hardship yet fiercely proud of its heritage. The narrative is punctuated by moments of stark realism, drawing the viewer into the daily challenges faced by the Oglala Sioux. The film utilizes a visceral, documentary-like approach to introduce the viewer to the harsh realities of Pine Ridge, the poorest county in the United States. Statistics flash across the screen: a staggering 75% unemployment rate, alarmingly high rates of domestic abuse, and the ever-present shadow of alcohol addiction. These opening moments serve as a stark reminder of the systemic issues that plague the community, setting the stage for the drama to unfold.
At the core of "Skins" lies the volatile relationship between two brothers, Mogie and Rudy, played with compelling intensity by Graham Greene and Eric Schweig, respectively. They represent two opposing responses to the challenges that surround them. Mogie, a decorated Vietnam veteran, embodies the despair and disillusionment that can consume those who have witnessed too much. He is a man haunted by the past, seeking solace in alcohol and struggling to find meaning in a world that seems to have forgotten him. Greene portrays Mogie with a heartbreaking vulnerability, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and the deep-seated pain that fuels his self-destructive behavior.
In contrast, Rudy, a tribal police officer, is driven by a desire to make a difference, to protect his community from the forces that threaten to tear it apart. However, his commitment to justice takes a dark turn as he begins to operate outside the boundaries of the law, adopting a vigilante persona. He takes the law into his own hands, beating up violent criminals and burning down the local liquor store, a symbol of the destructive influence of alcohol on his people. Schweig delivers a powerful performance as Rudy, portraying the character’s internal conflict and the growing desperation that drives him to increasingly extreme measures. Rudy’s actions, reminiscent of the morally ambiguous sheriff in Jim Thompson’s "Pop. 1280," raise complex questions about the nature of justice and the lengths to which people will go to protect their communities.
The film explores the complexities of assimilation, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the pervasive influence of the past on the present. "Skins" effectively dramatizes the internal struggle wrought by assimilation. The presence of the past inflects and invades the present in this film, rendering a community crippled by forces beyond its control or authority. In a flashback scene, we see the brothers as promising high school football stars, their game disrupted by their father’s violent outburst. This brief but powerful moment encapsulates the cycle of violence and trauma that has been passed down through generations, shaping the lives of Mogie and Rudy in profound ways. Mogie remains trapped by the past, unable to escape its grip, while Rudy is determined to recast it, to forge a new future for himself and his community.
While "Skins" effectively captures the mood and tone of its subject matter, its narrative structure can feel somewhat disjointed. The transitions between scenes are not always smooth, and the characters sometimes move in and out of the frame abruptly, preventing the story from fully achieving its potential. One particular storyline, involving a troubled woman who develops an attraction to Rudy, feels underdeveloped and ultimately unresolved, leaving the viewer with unanswered questions. The ramifications of Rudy’s double life as a vigilante are also not fully explored, leaving the film feeling somewhat adrift.
Despite these shortcomings, "Skins" is a film rich in detail and incident, offering glimpses into the unique culture and traditions of the Oglala Sioux. There are moments of grim humor, such as the recurring images of Rudy’s physical awkwardness, and moments of unsettling violence, such as the image of a man caught in a bear trap. These details contribute to the film’s overall impact, creating a vivid and unforgettable portrait of a community struggling to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. The film animates a culture cut-off from the world that is defined almost entirely by ritual and its tenuous connections to the past.
Underlying the personal dramas of Mogie and Rudy is a palpable sense of anger and frustration directed at the government policies that have historically neglected and abused Native American communities. This anger finds its ultimate expression in a powerful act of protest art, as Rudy’s vigilante impulses and Mogie’s social outrage converge in a spectacular display of defiance. This climactic scene serves as a fitting conclusion to a film that exists on the precipice of anger and grief, outrage and hurt. While the message may be somewhat didactic, the emotional impact is undeniable.
In conclusion, "Skins" is a flawed but ultimately powerful film that offers a rare and unflinching look at life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. While the storytelling may be uneven at times, the film’s raw emotion, compelling performances, and unflinching portrayal of social issues make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the complex challenges faced by Native American communities and the enduring power of the human spirit. "Skins," directed by Chris Eyre, is not simply a movie; it’s a window into a world that demands to be seen and understood. It showcases the talent and capabilities of Chris Eyre, demonstrating his willingness to tackle difficult and important subjects. "Skins" is a must-see for anyone interested in Native American culture, social justice, or simply compelling storytelling.