Mysterious Skin

     This week's film was a really interesting one. Although the majority of the class did not seem to enjoy it, I liked it a lot despite some scenes being very disturbing. To the question of who is the intended audience of this film, that I am still unsure of. I want to say it raises awareness on child abuse so it is a film that is open to everyone, I want to say that because it is drama/indie film, it would be geared towards people who enjoy that genre, and I also want to say it could be geared towards sexual assualt victims. That one I am iffy about because I am unsure as to whether seeing such an intense film like this for someone who has experienced sexual assualt would be traumatizing or if it would be healing...

       For me, what originally prompted me to want to see this film (other than it being required) was the fact that Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be in it. I've always been a fan of his work and I especially think he did a great job in Mysterious Skin. He was also very young and early in his career at this time so it amazed me how well he was able to adapt to this character of Neil. I loved how Neil was so comfortable with his sexuality despite the abuse he endured. Someone in class said that Neil prostituting himself was a way for him to reclaim control over his sexuality. I agree but I can also see it as a way for Neil to cope with his trauma. Such like with Brian and his obsession with the UFOs, Neil had a completely different response to his childhood trauma - both very valid. 

       Brian's story was very intriguing as well. One thing that upsetted me from the movie was the fact that the crazy UFO girl tried to have sex with him even though he was clearly uncomfortable. He confided in her and they shared a bond and she completely ruined it. This probably further enables Brian from understanding what's real and what's not. 

        One question I have whenever I hear of adults sexually abusing kids is how and when do the kids realize it is wrong? This might seem like a weird question but if sex is enjoyable, at what point do children who are being sexually abused realize it isn't normal? Is it a gut intuition? Is it wrong because the abuser is older? Would it feel different if the abuser was younger or similar in age? Because it seemed like Neil enjoyed it almost while Brian instantly realized it was wrong. From the outside looking in, we are able to see that what is happening isn't right but for someone who is so young and doesn't really know what sex it other than that it feels good sometimes, how are they able to distinguish certain sexual acts from right or wrong?