Alien in the Mirror: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Glazer and Under the Skin

by Maureen Foster

Directed by Jonathan Glazer (Sexy Beast, Birth) and starring Scarlett Johansson, the 2013 film Under the Skin contains elements of science fiction and fantasy, horror, mystery, and thriller. Arguably the most compelling of Johansson's career, the movie follows a unique tale of one woman's journey to self-discovery. This is the first book to be written about the quiet masterpiece, revisiting the film scene-by-scene through all its cinematic elements. Extensive interviews detail the challenges the filmmakers faced--from hidden filming on the streets of Glasgow to defying a blizzard in the Scottish Highlands. Readers are invited to explore connections between the movie and its science fiction cousins and discover the reasons why Under the Skin deserves to find a wider audience.

279 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2019

Reviews

[Sara Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really phenomenal, in-depth, dense textbook-like discussion of the film adaption of Michel Faber's brilliant book Under the Skin. Because this is one of my favourite films (and one of my fave books) I hung on every word and therefore it took me like a month to read! Incredible tidbits about the soundtrack, the tiny matchbox cameras they made just for this, the non-actors in Glasgow - ugh it's so good!!

[UnderseaDavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fear I now require this detailed an analysis of every movie I love..

[A Cesspool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite motion picture monographs. Essential for even the most pedestrian fan of Jonathan Glazer's 2013 sci-fi adaptation Under the Skin -- better than DVD commentary -- everything you could want.

Author Maureen Foster resists full-on fandom [pandering] with frequent film theory sidebars; With equal parts appreciation, dissection, and observation.
I usually gravitate more towards traditional making-of or behind-the-scenes production memoirs, because contemporary cinema retrospectives frequently overwhelm w academic ballyhoo (see: Hell Hath No Fury Like Her) and often meander in subjective annotations (à la Miracle Mile) as means of padding (out contractually obligated page count).

The Film:
I never previously contemplated the mirror in the house, or [some of] the sound cues, or minimalist dialogue; Under the Skin deserves requisite reviewing after finishing Maureen Foster remarkably dissertation.

[John Bleasdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insights into an amazing film.

[ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

despite taking over a month to finish, i loved this. under the skin is one of my all times favs, so an in depth analysis was always bound to be beautiful.