Bronze-The man who sold his skin

Oscar Tidbit: Nominated for Best International Feature Film in 2021, this film was a strong contender. Although it didn’t win, losing to Another Round, which was the deserving winner.

 The film tackles complex themes of the absurdities of the art world and the dehumanization of refugees through the story of its main character, Sam Ali, a Syrian refugee. Sam becomes a living canvas for a controversial artist, Jeffrey Godefroi, who tattoos Sam's back. This unconventional arrangement grants Sam the freedom to move around the world as a piece of traveling human art. The plot may sound far-fetched, but it draws inspiration from a real-life contract made in the late 2000s, where a similar fate awaited a person, even in death, with their back being skinned and framed. Spoiler Alert! Or is it?

The cinematography is a standout aspect of the film. Drawing viewers in with its artsy aesthetic, deliberately crafted to reflect the art scene it depicts. However, the film's attempt to merge its two main themes—high-end art culture and the dehumanizing plight of refugees—falls short. The portrayal of the art world as a place filled with entitled snobs contrasts sharply with the degrading experience of those seeking refuge and freedom, as seen through Sam's sacrifice. Unfortunately, neither theme is explored in depth, leaving them feeling oversimplified and not fully integrated. Neither went skin deep.

The love story subplot also fails to resonate, lacking depth and resolution. Nonetheless, a memorable scene on a train, where Sam declares his love, adds a touch of passion. Despite these shortcomings, the film offers a unique plot, solid acting, and impressive cinematography, making it worth a watch for those interested in thought-provoking cinema.