Filmmaker Gregg Araki, heretofore best known for his numerous ragged and nihilistic gay coming-of-age melodramas, here crosses over from the fringes to make his most mature and penetrating drama to date. Adapted by Araki from a first novel by Scott Heim, the movie explores the long-term effects of child sexual abuse. Gordon-Levitt will be a revelation if all you’ve seen him in is 3rd Rock From the Sun as the goofy teen alien. His riveting performance as a teenager who was molested long ago by his Little League coach (Sage) is the film’s linchpin, as the work would never be as searing as it is without his contribution. Mysterious Skin is being released unrated since it would have received an NC-17 rating by the MPAA board. The film’s content is adult – and for the first time in Araki’s career, so is the director. (Tuesday and Wednesday only.)
Opened 07/01/05