True Skin (2012) User Reviews

Visually Impressive Sci-Fi Short with Big Potential

[chris-600-689926 · 9/10 · 4 February 2013]

I saw this on YouTube, and I must say that I'm quite impressed. Not only with the visuals, but with the technical aspects of the story. While I won't give anything away, the concept of "saving" one's brain onto a hard drive, so that it can be downloaded into another body at a later date, is quite interesting, and I'm very curious to see what they do with this when it becomes a full-length feature.

It seems like more and more music video directors are making the jump to the big screen, with mixed results. So far, Stephen Zlotescu seems to be handling it quite well, at least based on the short. He's attached to direct the feature, so it should be interesting to see what he can do.

Technically very impressive with good ideas, but the generic voice-over and other aspects really reveal the limits below the skin

[bob the moo · 17 March 2014]

True Skin is another short film that seems to exist as a show case for what could be done, rather than a standalone film that works on its own terms. The film puts us into a future of physical and mental computer enhancements which can be bought and replaced, leaving the "naturals" out in the cold and suffering while those with the resources enhance and strive for eternal life. In this world we find that Kay has gotten such an enhancement by stealing it, only to find that although it is very powerful, it is also classified. He now finds himself hunted across the world and seeking a way out via shadowy contacts in Bangkok.

The setting of Bangkok is a good one as it gives the filmmakers a "blank" canvas which is already full of character and life. Onto this colors are enhanced and visual effects added to create a future of artificially enhanced humans in an oppressive landscape inspired by Bladerunner. To speak a little of this aspect, it is impressive how much was done with comparatively little and the short film does look really good for "just" being a short. Others here on IMDb have already lavished praise on this short and I guess most of it is due to the technical aspect, so I'll focus on the aspects they seem to have ignored or forgiven.

Unfortunately this is almost everything else about the film. The focus on visuals means that the only place left to tell the story is in the narration so, again with the Bladerunner inspiration, we get a heavy narration throughout. As an idea I don't mind it but the voice acting is generic "tough guy private dick 101" and the dialogue more or less the same. The biggest downside of this though is that the narration pulls you away from the idea that just because the film looks good and is a sci-fi then it is somehow innovative and unique, and actually reminds you that the narration all the way down to the suggested plot and ideas are also nothing new. It really made me boggle to see this described as "new age visionary" as if this short had not just copied a lot of its content from other sources.

It has does this and I cannot pretend to love it as much as the 10/10 crowd here, but it is still technically and visually very impressive – shame that the terrible narration, plot and general genericness of the whole thing dragged it down to a level below where it deserved to be.

Too much for 5 minutes

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 23 October 2015]

"True Skin" is a 5-minute short film from 3 years ago, written by, directed by and starring American filmmaker Stephan Zlotescu (possibly Romanian roots). So far, it is his only work. Basically, he creates a completely new world for this one, a world where human physiology is mixed with technology and humans have become robots, at least to some extent. Science fiction lovers may enjoy this, but I personally was not impressed. It just felt like the director had simply too much material for these 5 minutes and put in so much that was intended to stay memorable that there was simply no elaboration on crucial aspects involving the main character for example. Who is he? What does he do. A great example of style over substance. Not recommended. This movie totally lacks focus.

Awesome short! We need feature length!

[Samualt · 10/10 · 10 November 2013]

I just watched this for about the 10th time. It is really cutting edge. The graphics and special effects were great, the story was fun and entertaining, and the actors/narrator was spot on! Great job!

This really needs to be a feature length film. It would be such a relief from the stale Hollywood reboots/remakes and mediocre fair we keep getting pummeled with. If they remake Carrie one more time I think I will scream! And whats with the Star Trek reboot?...just let it die for God's sake!

We really need a new-age visionary to step up and make movies for those of us who aren't brain dead yet. I love the idea of brain-uploading and interchangeable parts. This is the new science fiction. This is what writers, producers, and directors should be working on. I hope we see more of this kind of science fiction soon!

Substance, but big style too

[interq-ward1 · 10/10 · 26 January 2014]

This is really outstanding. The truly unique and individual point about it is the visual conceptualisation itself, and not necessarily the story idea, which is in fact a classic one when it comes to sci-fi. There is immense style with this short movie. And there is a 'spin' happening with the story idea, and very definitely an intriguing mood - a set of feelings - coming across from it the whole time. It's wonderful, maybe a little sad too, although there is hope in the very uncertainty of the 'future technology' we get to see implemented in the world here. Why I rated it SO highly is because this director is clearly showing what he can do without handing everything on a platter to idea thieves! This guy has so much more to give. Where is it? Where are the mainstream studios here and why aren't they stepping up to the plate with this?