Deerskin (2019; Le Daim) is directed by Quentin Dupieux who is also the electronic musician Mr Oizo and who has for the past decade built up a career as a filmmaker specialising in weird, offbeat fare. His first film, Rubber, which I’ve still not seen, was a meta-horror movie about a rubber tire that could psychically kill people. There’s a similar high concept to Deerskin but it is a slow-burn detour into surrealism with Oscar-winning French actor Jean Dujardin (of The Artist) who plays Georges, a guy who drives out to the isolated French countryside to purchase a deerskin jacket. He is also given a camcorder video camera as a bonus. We pick up that Georges is lonely and on the other end of a failed marriage. However, when he sees himself in the Deerskin jacket, he starts to admire his “killer style”. While staying in an antique hotel, he strikes up a conversation with the bartender Denise (Adèle Haenel from Portrait Of A Lady On Fire) and he introduces himself as a filmmaker – even though all he has shot is video footage of himself wearing the jacket. She confides that she is also an editor, well, amateur. Then Georges starts talking to the jacket… I won’t give away what happens next. Part of the delight is how the film slowly unfolds and builds its descent into madness. Dujardin is great in how subtle and understated he plays it, creating a character who is addled and confused even when brimming with confidence from his obsession. There are various readings the film inspires – as a portrait of masculinity, as a satire on consumerism, and as a warped celebration of creative inspiration. I found myself laughing quite often and engaged by its curious, messed up tone. And it all comes together in a very tight 77 minute run time. Recommended.
VHS Tracking 