Film Lens
A Skin So Soft is a documentary directed by Denis Côté that focuses on the daily lives of bodybuilders in Canada. The film captures the routines of six men, including Jean-François, Ronald, and Maxim, who are dedicated to extreme bodybuilding. It presents their lives with a focus on the discipline and precision required to maintain their physiques, showcasing their backgrounds from various strength sports to military service.
Filmed in August 2016 in the Eastern Townships, the documentary premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival in August 2017. Critics noted Côté's unique approach, which emphasizes the mundane aspects of the bodybuilders' lives, contrasting with the typical narratives of physical strength and masculinity. The film's title, A Skin So Soft, reflects a linguistic nuance that differs from its French counterpart, Ta peau si lisse, which translates to 'a skin so smooth.'
Why Watch
- •Meet dedicated bodybuilders like Jean-François and Ronald.
- •See unique cinematography by François Messier-Rheault.
- •Find out about the daily routines of extreme bodybuilders.
Did You Know
•The film premiered at the Locarno International Film Festival in August 2017.
•François Messier-Rheault won the Prix Iris for Best Cinematography in 2018.
•The documentary was filmed in August 2016 in Eastern Townships.
•A Skin So Soft was released on video-on-demand on March 7, 2018.
Perfect For
Bodybuilding enthusiastsFans of Canadian cinemaDocumentary lovers