Review of Shame (2011) by Nikki W — 14 Nov 2012

This is utterly heartbreaking and is one of the most compelling movies I've ever seen!

The characters all seem to be damaged in some way have a soft vulnerability about them and often the most powerful scenes are those in which the actors simply exchange a glance.

The sadness that resides in both Michael Fassbender's Brandon and Carey Mulligan's Sissy is almost tangible and both actors give powerful performances and that doesn't even seem a big enough word to describe their scenes together!

Many of the scenes are filmed in real time and this gives an intense edge to the already raw subject matter.

Carey Mulligan brings a delicate quality to Sissy who is loud and laughing on the outside and quite empty on the inside and her rendition of New York, New York is beautifully moving.

Michael Fassbender brings such depth of emotion to Brandon as he tries to both hide and face up to his addiction and everyone's reaction towards it; he truly is an impressive actor who isn't afraid to bare all!

I also really like Nicole Bahaire's performance as Marianne.

Intense, moving and very honest, this movie proudly displays a side of human nature that is usually hidden and makes you care so deeply for these characters and their troubles.

An incredible movie that will stay with me for a long time!