Caught the premiere of "Skins" at the Sundance Film Festival on Monday, Jan. 14, 2002. This is an excellent film and a fine sophomore effort from director Chris Eyre. Graham Greene gives a multi-layered performance as the tragic Mokie... a drunken Indian humanized maybe on film for the first time. Eyre said afterwards that every drunk is someone's uncle, someone's father, someone's brother. He isn't into victimology but puts the issues out there for all of us to own... and be responsible for. The other lead actor is Eric Schweig, who gives a brilliant performance as Mokie's younger brother, a rez cop who turns vigilante. There were one or two performers who were a little wooden (no pun intended). At one point the pipe carrier climbs on his soapbox and he sounds amateurish and rehearsed. But overall, the performances are solid. Also... its important to note that this is a film with Indians in most, if not all, of the major creative positions and it stands tall on its own merits. Many laughs and a few tears. Genuinely moving film. Highly recommended. Washtay do! Pidamayah, Chris!
