Deerskin

Synopsis

In the darkly comedic film Deerskin (original title: 'Le Daim'), Jean Dujardin delivers a captivating performance as Georges, a man spiraling into a quirky obsession. After acquiring a unique deerskin jacket, Georges becomes increasingly fixated on its superiority, leading him down a bizarre path of madness and manipulation. Set against the backdrop of a remote French village, the film explores themes of identity, obsession, and the human condition through Georges' eccentric behavior and interactions with the local townspeople, including a budding filmmaker who unknowingly fuels his descent into absurdity. As Georges's life begins to unravel, the story teeters on the edge of dark humor, inviting the audience to question the lengths one will go to achieve authenticity and status. With its stylistic direction and engaging narrative, 'Deerskin' invites viewers into a surreal yet relatable quest for individuality, wrapped in the poignant struggles of a man captivated by a mere piece of clothing.

Cast

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  Jean Dujardin

  Georges

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  Adèle Haenel

  Denise

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  Albert Delpy

  Monsieur B

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  Coralie Russier

  The Neighbor

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  Pierre Gommé

  The Kid

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  Laurent Nicolas

  The Receptionist

Reviews

Critics have had a mixed but generally positive response to Deerskin. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an impressive 88% approval rating based on critical reviews, suggesting that many found it to be a worthwhile watch. The Cinematic Review praised Dujardin’s performance, noting, 'His ability to oscillate between charm and menace keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.' Meanwhile, Variety highlighted the film's unique premise, stating, 'In the hands of director Quentin Dupieux, the absurd becomes captivatingly entertaining.' Conversely, some reviewers have pointed out the film's decidedly niche appeal. The Guardian remarked, 'While the premise is unique, its dark humor might not resonate with all audiences.', hinting at the polarizing nature of its storytelling. IMDb users rate the film at 6.6/10, indicating a mixed audience reception, while Metacritic gives it a respectable score of 68/100, further illustrating its divisive charm. Overall, 'Deerskin' is recognized as a quirky, absurdist take on obsession, reinvigorating the themes of personal identity and societal norms through a darkly comedic lens.