Shame

Shame (2011)

Directed by Steve McQueen

Written by Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan

Stars: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, Nicole Beharie and James Badge Dale

Well, let's get this out on the table. Everybody knows that this movie has been criticized for having lead actor Michael Fassbender swing the wind. People think that the movie is about the sexual nature of the film. It's not. It is the destructive consequences of sex. That is intriguing. Now, that is out of the way, let's get into the review. Shall we?

The re-teaming of director Steve McQueen and Fassbender has made another thought provoking film will stay with you after the credits. This film chronicles the life of ad agent, Brandon Sullivan (Fassbender) living and loving in New York City. On the surface, you think that this man is a stud with a healthy sex life, but when you chip away at his suave demeanor lies a man with a sexual compulsion. He is having anonymous sex with multiple women, constantly watching porn on his computer either at work or at home, hiring hookers or masturbating in the toilet. He thinks that his life is perfect when his littler sister, Sissy (Mulligan) comes and stays with him. This throws Brandon's life into a tailspin that he has to comfort the past.

Everybody was talking about Fassbender's raw, emotional performance not getting nominated for an Oscar. It is a shame. No, pun intended. He conveyed a broken man trying to keep his feelings away from the physical act of sex. Mulligan was haunting in this movie. There were some revelations that were a little clichéd, but I don't the actors elevated the movie. If different actors were in the roles, it would be a movie trying to be artsy.

My Rating