Skin Deep

Skin Deep from 1989 is a wildly entertaining comedy-drama film, a delicate underpinning of profound expression on love, life, and the inner mechanics of human relationships, all coated with a thick layer of humour and satire. A film directed by Blake Edwards who did an amazing job encapsulating the essence of his protagonist’s tension and emotional journey, using comedy as a tool of expression rather than a simple plot device. With a formidable cast led by John Ritter who displays a charmingly hapless charm, supported by the likes of Vincent Gardenia and Alyson Reed, making 'Skin Deep' a must-watch comedic spectacle.

The plot follows the life of Zach Hutton, portrayed in his full dapper, charismatic glory by John Ritter. Zach is a once-successful novelist, whose hedonistic lifestyle has caused both his career and relations to come tumbling down. He's a compulsive womanizer and ekes out his life in a perpetual binge of alcohol, fighting a battle against his self-destructive tendencies. His failed marriages, lost career, and strained relations with his ex-spouses become the backdrop of his tumultuous life.

The perfect caricature of a flawed genius, Zach's struggle in normalizing his life forms the cornerstone of the plot. Each escapade further tests his resolve, as he lurches from one ridiculous situation to another, and Ritter does a brilliant job capturing the endearing charm of Zach, despite his many failings. The audience finds themselves simultaneously laughing and empathizing with the beleaguered writer as he stumbles through the convolutions of his own making, wondering if he can reconcile with the mess he's made of his life.

Vincent Gardenia puts forth a stellar performance as Barney the Bartender, a semi-philosophical figure who becomes Zach's sounding board and occasional voice of reason. Barney's sage advice is often lost on Zach, but the rapport between the two characters provides some of the film's most significant and comedic scenes.

The perfectly cast Alyson Reed, as Zach’s ex-wife, Alex, transcends the stereotypes of a jaded ex-spouse. Alex is neither a one-dimensional character nor simply the sour ex-wife. Instead, Reed manages to make her an empathetic character, offering a real and comprehensive portrayal of a woman striving to create a balance, all while coping with the whirlwind chaos that is Zach.

The storyline moves through a series of comedic yet meaningful set pieces, heavily imbued with Edwards' unique blend of comedy and drama that juggle between humorous instances and moments of self-realization. The narrative threads together Zach's trials and tribulations, his attempts to regain control of his life, reinvent his career, and mend broken relationships around him.

The comedic element is maintained eloquently throughout the movie with a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments, courtesy of John Ritter's exceptional comedic prowess, clearly exhibited in hilarious scenes that are destined to be burned into the viewer's memory. A noteworthy mention being the glow-in-the-dark condom scene which holds its own as one of the most iconic comedic moments in late 80’s cinema.

Though far from being a conventional comedy, Skin Deep is a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and redemption peppered with laugh-out-loud humor and relatable honesty. Its theme may revolve around failure and disappointment, but the film is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and its capacity to rebuild and recover, seasoned generously with laughter and comedic relief.

With 'Skin Deep,' Blake Edwards harnesses the power of comedy to explore human ideals of success, failure, and personal redemption through a story that is as heartwarming as it is hilariously entertaining. This comedy-drama is surely a testament not only to the storytelling prowess of Edwards but also to the undeniably charismatic performances of Ritter, Gardenia, and Reed. The film is a clear example of a comedy with depth, where laughter is not the end goal, but a means to explore complex human emotions and relationships.