I would bet most stateside moviegoers only know Jean Dujardin from his Oscar-winning performance in “The Artist”. It’s unfortunate because he’s a seasoned actor who has shown a dynamic range throughout his nearly 25 year career. The French actor has dabbled in nearly every genre, arguably shining brightest in the area of comedy. He’s a captivating leading man who can do some of everything.
His latest film “Deerskin” may not be the best movie to use as an introduction to Dujardin’s work especially for mainstream audiences. But man is it one entertaining and utterly bonkers ride. Writer-director-editor-cinematographer Quentin Dupieux isn’t up to much of anything nor does he have a lot to say. That’s crucial to understand because I can see “Deerskin” totally confounding those who scour its lean frame for any deeper meaning. Instead it’s 77 minutes of hypnotic deadpan absurdity – a conscious-free black comedy with a wacky dash of grisly horror. Nothing more, nothing less.
Dujardin makes the entire thing work. He plays a middle-aged sad-sack named Georges who has recently separated from his wife. He drives out to an old man’s house in the hills and spends every dime he has to buy a used deerskin jacket. The old man (knowing he has scored big) tosses in a “slightly used” camcorder. Georges tries on the jacket, gazes into the mirror, and utters with unbridled satisfaction “Stoking. Killer style.”
Photo Courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment
One of the early signs that something’s not right with this man is in his belief that the jacket actually looks great. The dated brown suede with its fringed highlights seems perfect for a hippie from Woodstock or Daniel Boone. Georges, not so much. Aside from being a modern day fashion faux pas, it barely reaches his waist and tightly hugs his slightly chunky torso. But Georges is smitten, overcome with ecstasy and full of newfound yet thoroughly misguided confidence.
He stops at a small alpine inn to stay for a while. But with no money he’s forced to begin building his house of lies. It starts in the local tavern where he meets the impressionable Denise (Adèle Haenel, so good in the Dardenne brothers’ film “The Unknown Girl”). She’s stuck in a dead-end job as a bartender but aspires to be a film editor. When Georges proclaims himself to be a filmmaker who’s in the area to shoot his new movie, the naive Denise is instantly intrigued.
In the meantime Georges develops a ‘personal’ relationship with his jacket. The two begin carrying on conversations with Georges weirdly voicing each side. Turns out they both share similar dreams. The jacket wants to be the only jacket in the world. Georges want to be the only person in the world wearing a jacket. So they essentially set out on a mission to make both of their dreams come true, by any means necessary including violence.
Photo Courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment
Dupieux’s screenplay fully embraces the absurdity of its idea even as the goofiness eventually gives way to the macabre. Through it all, Dujardin’s straight-faced performance and complete conviction sells the humor and the unease. One minute you’ll be giggling at one of Georges’ ludicrous tall tales which grow more and more far-fetched. At the same time you’re taking a dip into madness, watching a man’s mid-life crisis turn him into a full-blown sociopath.
“Deerskin” will baffle some, probably bore others. It’s unquestionably weird and off-beat, pretty shallow when it comes to story, and has a twisted final act that could be seen as off-putting. But if you come to the movie on its own terms and just go with the nuttiness, you’ll find a wickedly entertaining and devilishly funny yarn that plays by its own bizarre set of rules. And Dupieux, a filmmaker who has a movie about a murderous car tire to his credit, is certainly no stranger to his own bizarre rules.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
Nice review Keith. I really had quite a good time with Deerskin; it was actually my favorite new release I saw at Cannes last year and after seeing it again I had an even greater appreciation for it. Quentin Dupieux has quite a knack for absurdist horror-comedy, and Dujardin is great as well.
I’m a Dujardin fan and this thing was a hoot. I didn’t know what to expect even with the sample size from the trailer. But it’s a blast. And it’s another example of how Dujardin can do just about anything. Glad to hear from someone else who has seen it.
I actually went in knowing absolutely nothing about the film beforehand, and midway through the picture when Dujardin’s character takes a sudden turn was a huge surprise for the entire audience. I really hope he does another collaboration with Dupieux in the future.
I bet that was a ton of fun to watch with an audience!
Sounds mad! You’ve sold it well 😊 might give it a go. Got round to Venom at last, enjoyed that more 2nd time around. Looking forward to No. 2!
“Mad”…that reeeeally fits this movie well. It’s bizarre, darkly funny, a bit shocking. Still I had a lot of fun with it. And Dujardin is a hoot!
I heard about this film and I do want to see this. Especially Jean Dujardin who I like a lot as I know he could do a lot more. Plus, he was a joy to watch in The Wolf of Wall Street in the scene where he and Leo don’t speak except through voice-over. “What I’m asking you Swiss dick is are you going to fuck me over?” “I understand you perfectly you American shit.”
Dujardin has so many good performances under his belt. His French movie resume is full of fun films and intriguing roles. This is one of his wackier ones and it’s well worth checking out.
Now on my list. Will re-visit rest of your review after seeing it.
Great! I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts on it. It’s unapologetically wacky which I kinda liked.
I like those kinds of movies. It lets my mind run free.
HaHa! This one definitely does that! 😂
Hey Keith, I asked for a screener for this from the PR company but haven’t heard back yet, I’ll rent it at some point. I like Dujardin and I agree he’s SO much more than just the leading man of The Artist. I thought he was hilarious in Call My Agent! season 3 episode which is on Netflix.
I haven’t seen that one but I’ve watched several of his French films. He has a very diverse filmography. This is definitely one of the strangest. 😁
I just got the screener link, now I’m more eager to check it out!
Great review! I look forward to watching this strange sounding treat. I admire that the filmmaker is able to get funding for rather odd characters. Dupieux’s crazy film RUBBER, about a murderous tyre, is quite bonkers too.
Oh yes it is. “Rubber” is the film I was referring to in the review. Bonkers indeed. One things for sure, you can’t say Dupieux films aren’t original! LOL
I was just talking about Dujardin recently and how you never hear from him anymore after his Oscar win. This sounds unique, but I’m not sure if it’s one I’ll rush to see.
He’s had a great career full of wildly diverse roles mostly in his home country. This is one of the wackier films he’s done but he’s so good in it. Still, it won’t be for everyone.
seeing this actor serves to remind me what a useless organization the academy is. they gave an oscar to the director of the artist over terrence malick lmaoo wtff
Pingback: REVIEW: “Deerskin” (2020) — Keith & the Movies | Thriller/Suspense Film and Writing Festival