Review of Shame (2011) by Lewis E — 23 Feb 2014

Story is in the same realm as 'Don Jon' but this time it deals with sex addiction in a much more serious manner (and much more graphic). Adopts a different directing style, often incorporating long scenes using only one camera angle and next to no dialogue, just classical music operating parallel to the emotions of Brandon (Michael Fassbender).

I think I recall similar methods being used in 'Black Swan' and while this style does create the sense that some scenes drag on with not much happening, it definitely helps vividly capture the important psychological dynamics which was clearly a key element.

A lot of time is spent focusing on Brandon's sexual exploits and his negative attitude towards his clingy sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan). I know the film's concentration was on Brandon but I feel the audience could have benefited from a explanation as to why Sissy's life was slightly off the rails and why she was dependent on her brother.

It is clear that his addiction to all things sexual affected his relationship with her but I felt the history or nature of this sibling relationship could have been explored in more depth since it was central to the plot.

You'll have to travel to the ends of the earth to find people who don't like sex and most things related to it. Nevertheless, the director here chose a story and an interesting film style which accurately portrayed sex addiction as an affliction which places a heavy burden on people with sometimes sad consequences.

It's a shame because as successful as it was in conveying this, I just felt the film's general narrative did not go anywhere with little progress being made from the beginning. Also, I don't reckon I can look at Fassbender the same way again after the activities he got up to at the end of the film, let alone the fact that he was completely butt naked at times with everything dangling out in the open.

All I can say is that I'm glad this wasn't in 3-D.