An Affair of the Skin

An Affair of the Skin, directed by Ben Maddow, is an audacious film released in 1963 that explores the complexities of human relationships and mid-twentieth-century attitudes towards sexuality, beauty, and aging via three interconnected storylines.

The movie introduces us to three central characters: Janice (Viveca Lindfors), regarded as a mature, beautiful woman; Stephen (Kevin McCarthy), a commercial photographer; and Diana (Lee Grant), a vivacious, young model. These prime characters are embedded in diverse situations that probe deep into their personal insecurities and obsessions surrounding their physical appearances and societal notions of beauty.

Janice, despite her mature beauty and intellectual charm, finds herself fighting an internal battle associated with aging. As a sociologist, she is well-versed in theories and societal norms; however, the fear of losing her attractiveness and getting older challenges her proud and learned exterior. Her story is a compelling discourse on beauty, age, insecurity, and the simultaneous strength and fragility of a sophisticated woman in ’60s American society.

In parallel, we're introduced to Stephen, a successful photographer who enjoys the playful, artistic, occasionally aloof poise his profession offers him. He is captivated by beauty, particularly youthful beauty, as exemplified by the models he photographs each day. Nevertheless, the protagonist is subtly haunted by his aging existence and the fear of diminishing appeal in an industry that worships youth and vitality. His journey becomes the narrative thread that crisscrosses through the lives of the other characters, binding their stories together.

The third central character, Diana, seems to epitomize an absolute celebration of youthful exuberance and physical beauty. As an up-and-coming young model, she's on the cusp of a successful career, yet is surprisingly grounded and introspective, often pondering on questions of love, self-acceptance, and the impermanence of beauty.

The stories in An Affair of the Skin elegantly unravel against the backdrop of New York City, the nominal center for anyone working in the arts or contemplating the societal role of image. The characters grapple with their individual insecurities in their relationships, their professional lives, and within themselves throughout the film. Alongside the insights into mid-20th century socio-cultural norms, the film also imparts an intimate view of the imprints of insecurity, ill-perceived notions of beauty, and the vulnerabilities of human existence.

Lindfors, McCarthy, and Grant deliver powerful performances that breathe life into their complex characters. Their portrayals are heartfelt, as they navigate their characters' journeys through a labyrinth of emotional trauma, personal dilemmas, insecurities, and internalized, societal concepts of beauty.

Ben Maddow has certainly delivered a subtle and nuanced take on how one’s appearance interacts with self-image and confidence within the societal conventions of the 1960s. The direction remains commendable, with the director delicately unraveling each element of the plot, enriching the themes, and adding depth to the characters.

The film's black and white cinematography complements its deep, emotionally charged motifs, adding a classic aesthetic aspect to the film. Additionally, the choice of locations, like the bustling streets of New York, the sleek photography studios, the cozy apartments, and rustic bars, perfectly depict the mid-century aura, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the movie.

An Affair of the Skin is an intelligent and sensitive exploration of human experiences and insecurities. It examines the power of appearance, perception, and beauty, showcasing characters who are at once real, flawed, and deeply relatable. In this process, the film sheds light on timeless questions about aging, beauty, and identity, drawing in viewers with its masterful storytelling and compelling performances. By crafting a character-driven narrative that transcends its period situation, the movie delivers a touch of universality, making it a captivating watch for any cinephile or lover of nuanced, insightful human drama.