Based on this short fiction by Toledo-native Maria Hummer, “He Took His Skin Off For Me” is a gorgeously literal and so all-the-more-poetic short film made by Ben Aston, his London School of Film graduation project exploring (and winning) the use of practical special effects. There is also a making-of-behind-the-scenes video at the film’s website. The story (and the film) begins:
Is this what you want? he asked, and I said yes, so he took off his skin for me.
He was beautiful, shining red organs and crisp bones. I stepped forward to embrace him. I felt his naked wet muscles against my arms.