Review of Shame (2011) by Andy D — 30 Jan 2013

I love film. I love the fact that people like different things, and you can debate the merits or flaws of any given movie, and be neither right or wrong. 'Shame' is a classic example of this. It really isn't for everybody, it's more arty than most mainstream features, and simply put, isn't very entertaining to watch. Michael Fassbender puts in a powerful performance as Brandon, a 30-something New York professional who is basically obsessed with emotionless, illicit sexual encounters. Carey Mulligan is also superb as his damaged sister Sissy, who comes to stay and wreaks havoc with his carefully ordered world.

It's bleak, harsh, grim and cold, and as I mentioned earlier no real fun to watch. It's loaded with full-on sex scenes, but if you take those away you would have a very dull film indeed. Yes, it is "brave and compelling" film-making, and it is very well made, and is very provocative, but many will watch it and just say "what was that all about?".