Review of Shame (2011) by Feli Y — 22 Apr 2013

I guess it is more and more difficult to see magnificent movies where the cinematography, the production and the performance tend to reach a climax. And Shame's sometimes awkward muteness results in an incredible cinematographic language. In this manner, Shame does exactly what a great movie does, that is to say speak through images.

Even if the movie can be considered as somewhat rough, it only says what it needs to and only dwells on everything that could be regarded as being repugnant to make you feel as such. In that sense, Shame does nothing without purpose. But despite the calculated stylistic, the movie does also releases a very fine artistic vision. For instance, there is an incredible amount of sequence shots, which are perhaps a little too explicit, but will creep into your skin.

As for the performances, I think Fassbender really hit the top. I saw him play a similar role in Fishtank, only as a supporting actor. Here he dazzled me, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. He was so convincing I almost forgot the theater I was sitting in. Other actors, less present, will satisfy you but their performances wont equal Fassbender's.

The editing was brilliant, flawless. It's coherent from the beginning to the end. The only reproach I would have to make is that a few scenes were a bit too long. Sometimes excess kills the effect.

The Soundtrack was surprising. The movie managed to match soundtrack and in-film music, which was very impressive I have to say. You generally don't witness such daring processes.

Shame is simply a movie during which you stay agape. Watch out for flies.