Skinned Deep

In the 2004 low-budget horror movie Skinned Deep, director Gabriel Bartalos, a acclaimed mixed media artist and special effect make-up expert, spins a gripping and unforgettable tale of horror. The carefully selected cast includes Les Pollack, Aaron Sims and Kurt Carley, who bring the eccentric characters in Skinned Deep alive.

Set in the scenic yet eerie backroads of America, Skinned Deep thrusts viewers into a grotesque world of unhinged chaos mingled with pop culture references and dark, twisted humor. When an unsuspecting family embarks on a road trip and suffers a car breakdown in an isolated area, they are drawn into a horrifying nightmare that pushes the boundaries of terror. The family stumbles upon a band of misfit psychopaths led by an incredibly eccentric character, the Surgeon General, played by Les Pollack.

Les Pollack, with his masterful interpretation of Surgeon General, draws the viewer into a tightly pulled net of terror and oddball antics. Equipped with a surgical kit and a craving for human flesh, Pollack reinvents the stereotype of the horror movie antagonist. His portrayal of the knife-wielding madman character distinguishes Skinned Deep from other features in the same genre, contributing to the film’s cult status among horror film enthusiasts.

Aaron Sims brings the character Plates to life – a psychologically distorted sibling who has a strange yet fatal obsession with dinnerware. Plates has the uncanny ability to turn ordinary ceramic dishes into deadly weapons, resulting in sinister outcomes. Sims' portrayal of Plates is sufficiently unsettling and bizarre, and he demonstrates impressive acting chops in making an absurd character genuinely menacing.

Kurt Carley's Brain, another character bred from the twisted mind of Bartalos, is enchanting in his own unique way. His imposing size, fused with a childlike innocence, creates an interesting dynamic in the narrative, providing an unexpected emotional edge to the horror film. Carley's height and physique make Brain's character physically threatening, yet his juvenile naivety adds depth and a certain charm, making the character intriguing and engaging.

The cinematography in Skinned Deep is highly commendable, capturing sharp visuals, drenched in a saturated color palette that sets a dreadful and creepy atmosphere. The usage of special effects, the primary forte of director Gabriel Bartalos, is genuinely chilling and contributes to the visual spectacle of this horror movie. Utilizing his experience in special effect makeup, Bartalos manages to add a tangible, cringe-worthy gruesomeness to several scenes, a desired effect in any horror production.

The narrative hops, skips, and jumps between outright horror, suspense, and unexpected humor, as Bartalos interweaves these genres into a bizarre tapestry of storytelling. The director's unique approach to mix elements of humor into a gloomy and gruesome narrative brilliantly enhances the horror, making the plot unpredictable and engaging.

The film also adopts a unique approach to its musical score. The soundtrack, peppered with eerie orchestrations and unsettling melodies, aids in enhancing the overall macabre aura of the film.

Skinned Deep may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression on its viewers. It's an engaging mix of horror, suspense, and dark humor that will leave audiences simultaneously amused and terrified. This film is an excellent pick for those who appreciate alternative cinema that steps beyond the boundaries of mainstream horror. Skinned Deep's blend of eccentric characters, grotesque visual effects, and unexpected comedic twists make it a unique addition to the horror film genre.

Ultimately, Skinned Deep is a singular viewing experience. It is a dark roller-coaster ride destined to deliver jolts and laughs in equal measures. The blending of horror and comedy, combined with remarkable performances by the cast, crafts a different, unique, and unsettling horror film that has potential to linger in the viewer's mind for an extended duration. This testament to Bartalos' ingenuity and creativity is one for the books of low-budget cinema where ingenuity thrives in the shadows of constraint.