How Elizabeth Banks Thriller ‘Skincare’ Turns a Real Life Murder-for-Hire Plot Into a Twisted L.A. Noir About the American Dream

I find myself utterly captivated by the creative journey of Austin Peters, the visionary director behind the riveting crime thriller “Skincare”. His ability to transform a real-life criminal case into a Southern California Gothic tale is nothing short of remarkable. The film’s inspiration from classic noir novels and movies, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, resonates deeply with me, as I too have been drawn to the sunshine noir world of this city.

As a cinephile penning my thoughts, let me share an intriguing perspective on the genesis of “Skincare,” the gripping crime thriller that unfolds like a real-life mystery novel. The story’s inception was sparked by an extraordinary criminal case involving a celebrity aesthetician based in Los Angeles, who found herself accused of masterminding the assassination of a fellow skincare guru.

“Peters, along with Sam Freilich and Deering Regan, wrote the film, drawing inspiration from numerous movies and novels set in the sun-drenched, film noir landscape of Los Angeles. They didn’t aim to tell a factual account – that wasn’t their goal. Instead, what captivated them about the story was its resemblance to a classic James M. Cain noir tale. It resonated with the Los Angeles and world they knew.”

Despite the fact that “Skincare” marks Peter’s first feature film, he wasn’t alone in his endeavor, as Elizabeth Banks, the film’s main character, joined him. As Hope Goldman, Banks experiences a significant life change when a more popular skincare expert, Angel (played by Luis Gerardo Méndez), opens a clinic opposite hers and begins stealing her celebrity clients. The role of Hope is multifaceted, combining elements of humor, anxiety, and ambition as she encounters increasingly questionable individuals from the darker side of Los Angeles, with her business suffering as a result. Given Banks’ extensive background in both acting and directing, Peter states that she was fully committed to the project.

“He praises her as an exceptional collaborator, both supportive of him personally, the film, and his creative ideas. She breathed life into the character, offering constant support during any queries he had. It was a continuous team effort, with our limited rehearsal time beforehand and on set, I couldn’t have asked for a more ideal partner as a director. She excelled in her role, giving it her all every day. We filmed for 18 days, and she worked tirelessly from morning till night.”

How Elizabeth Banks Thriller ‘Skincare’ Turns a Real Life Murder-for-Hire Plot Into a Twisted L.A. Noir About the American Dream

As a movie enthusiast, I was captivated by my past experiences in creating music videos alongside artists such as Diplo, Haim, and Orville Peck. This background significantly influenced my energetic directorial approach, which resonates perfectly with Banks’ electrifying portrayal. The rhythmic soundtrack is integral to numerous pivotal moments in the film. For instance, the opening sequence contrasts Hope’s glamorous realm against a blazing Queens of the Stone Age track. Additionally, an eccentric, drug-fueled dance number features Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.”

“He mentions that the influence of music within the movie becomes noticeable from the beginning. One of the initial occurrences is when he starts to listen to it and consider how it will resonate, what kind of auditory environment it will create.”

The appearance of “Skincare” was predominantly shaped by the era it portrayed. Although 2013 isn’t that long ago, Peters worked closely with production designer Liz Toonkel to capture the stylistic distinctions and trends authentically, without veering into a caricature-like representation.

As a movie buff who appreciates the finer details, I’ve noticed that Elizabeth’s wardrobe seems to be stuck in a bygone era. She’s clinging to trends that have long been left behind, which is quite intriguing given her character’s meticulous attention to personal presentation. We wanted her style to be a significant part of her narrative, so we delved into the past, sifting through stacks of Architectural Digests from that time. The fashion then feels almost alien compared to what’s trendy now, despite being quite recent. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly styles can change.

The stylistic gap served as an inspiration for Peters and his cinematographer, Christopher Ripley, to create a distinctive visual vocabulary for the camera.

“Peters mentions it can be tough to create a film when the characters’ styles don’t match his own. He explains, ‘This isn’t an environment that visually appeals to me right off the bat like some others do. So we spent a lot of time discussing how to shoot in these spaces that may not align with our aesthetic, yet still convey the essence of this film and make it clear to the audience what kind of movie they’re watching.'”

As a movie enthusiast, I find “Skincare” to be a film that delves into the concept of success and the lengths one might go to protect their image, not just physically through skincare, but also in terms of personal reputation. Interestingly, the vibrant characters in this L.A.-based story seem to embody the unique complexities of life in this city.

Peters notes, “This metropolis attracts visitors from every corner of the globe, and it’s vast, complex, and multicultural.” He continues, “There are countless narratives layered one upon another. At the same time, it can be incredibly isolating. It’s a place where you can be surrounded by people from all walks of life yet still feel utterly alone. This sense of isolation permeates many of the characters in this story, and we aimed to portray various aspects of this world and these individuals: The bright, optimistic facade and the hidden darkness.”

Watch the “Skincare” trailer below.

2024-08-16 23:17

How Elizabeth Banks Thriller ‘Skincare’ Turns a Real Life Murder-for-Hire Plot Into a Twisted L.A. Noir About the American Dream

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