Skin Deep Poster

Skin Deep 1989

★ 6.187 votes97 min📅 1989-03-03

"The comedy that glows in the dark."

Blake Edwards' *Skin Deep (1989)* is a razor-sharp romantic comedy-drama that dives into the messy aftermath of heartbreak and self-destruction.

Director: Blake Edwards

Cast

John Ritter
John Ritter
Zach
Vincent Gardenia
Vincent Gardenia
Barney
Alyson Reed
Alyson Reed
Alex
Joel Brooks
Joel Brooks
Jake
Julianne Phillips
Julianne Phillips
Molly
Chelsea Field
Chelsea Field
Amy
Peter Donat
Peter Donat
Sparky
Don Gordon
Don Gordon
Curt
Nina Foch
Nina Foch
Alex's Mother
Denise Crosby
Denise Crosby
Angie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skin Deep (1989) about?

*Skin Deep* follows Zach Hutton, a novelist whose life implodes when both his wife and mistress leave him. Struggling with writer's block and a worsening drinking problem, he stumbles through a series of reckless relationships, searching for meaning while dodging his own demons.

Who directed Skin Deep?

Blake Edwards, the acclaimed director behind classics like *The Pink Panther* and *Victor/Victoria*, helmed *Skin Deep*.

Who stars in Skin Deep?

The film stars John Ritter as Zach Hutton, with Vincent Gardenia, Alyson Reed, Joel Brooks, and Julianne Phillips rounding out the main cast.

Is Skin Deep (1989) worth watching?

If you enjoy romantic comedies with a bittersweet edge, *Skin Deep* delivers. Ritter's performance grounds the film's mix of humor and emotional depth, making it a solid pick for fans of '80s rom-coms with a twist.

How long is Skin Deep?

The movie runs for 97 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Skin Deep (1989) — A Rom-Com with Heart, Humor, and a Whole Lot of Heartbreak

Blake Edwards' *Skin Deep (1989)* is a razor-sharp romantic comedy-drama that dives into the messy aftermath of heartbreak and self-destruction. The film follows Zach Hutton (John Ritter), a once-successful novelist whose life unravels when his wife and mistress both walk away, leaving him drowning in whiskey and writer's block. As Zach spirals through fleeting romances and reckless nights, he must confront the toxic patterns that keep pulling him under. With a blend of biting humor and poignant introspection, the movie explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the struggle to break free from one's own worst habits. Edwards' signature wit and Ritter's surprisingly nuanced performance anchor a story that's as funny as it is raw.

Set against the neon glow of a city that never sleeps, *Skin Deep* captures the chaos of midlife with a mix of charm and melancholy. The film's tone walks a tightrope between farce and drama, making it a standout in the late-'80s rom-com landscape. Whether you're drawn in by Ritter's everyman charisma or the film's unflinching look at modern relationships, *Skin Deep* offers a compelling, often cathartic ride.