LGBTQ+ Cinema Discussion: MYSTERIOUS SKIN

Movie Spotlight on "MYSTERIOUS SKIN"
Join Movie Club Member Elliot J. for the next movie in their series highlighting LGBTQ+ films featuring "Mysterious Skin" from 2004 directed by Gregg Araki, based on Scott Heim's novel, which delves into the lives of two boys powerfully affected by childhood trauma.

Here's how The Portland Movie Club Meet-Ups work:

1. Just like a book club, we watch the movie before we meet.
2. We'll meet at Lucky Lab at 4pm (map) on the scheduled day & date. We'll typically have a sign at our table(s) but at least we'll try to be obvious and identifiable.
3. Grab some food and drinks and spend some time socializing and discussing this movie with us.

A few notes about "MYSTERIOUS SKIN"
Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in the film as teenage boy Neil, who works as a sex worker and is discovering his sexuality, which is further complicated by the trauma he endured as a young child. His acquaintance, Brian, played by Brady Corbett, obsessively learns about alien abductions, believing he has been the victim of one of these kidnappings.

Mysterious Skin premiered at the 61st Venice International Film Festival in September 2004. Psychologists reportedly have praised the film for an honest and mature depiction of the long-term effects of child sex abuse.

Trigger Warning Alert: We suggest caution when viewing the film as it features scenes which could possibly be triggers – including childhood sexual assault and graphic violence.

Viewing Options:
Streaming options reportedly include Amazon, Fandango At Home and Strand Releasing. A region A (United States) Blu-ray release identified as a “Director’s Special Edition” is available from Strand Home Video.

LGBTQ+ Portland Movie Club Meet-Up Cinema Series
LGBTQ+ characters and themes have been present throughout film history dating back to pre-Hays Code era. The relationship between film and the LGBTQ+ community has had its ups and downs over the years and has been continually changing. This discussion group will highlight some key films that mark these changes and shed light upon the vast selection of LGBTQ+ films which cinema has to offer.

Tips:

1. Haven't seen the movie in a while? You're in for a treat - try to watch the movie sometime before we meet. Just like a book club we don't watch the movie at our meetup, just discuss it. You don't have to watch the movie to join us, but it'll be more fun if you can.
2. I usually take a few notes while I watch to keep from forgetting the most interesting stuff. If you think of some interesting discussion topics while you watch, bring 'em with you!

Some of the films previously viewed and discussed in this series of PMC Meet-Ups have included ‘Portrait Of A Lady On Fire,” “Sleepaway Camp,” Gregg Araki’s “The Doom Generation” and “Nowhere,” “But I’m A Cheerleader,” “I Saw The TV Glow,” “Tangerine,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho" and the documentary “Paris Is Burning.”

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