Review of Shame (2011) by Eero V — 10 Jan 2014
Steve McQueen's second film is a vast improvement over his first one, the pretentious and ponderous Hunger. Shame is a very impressive, bold and harrowing drama. McQueen has a much more controlled hold on the material, and the film overall feels much less artsy.
It doesn't sugarcoat or romanticize its timid subject of sex addiction; it doesn't shun nudity, but still never feels voyeuristic. The film builds the characters of Brandon and Sissy very well: their past is left unclear, but they are still interesting because their behavior is completely unpredictable, giving the film ambiguity and even slight suspense.
The film may upset and bore some and feel like its just treading water, but to me it's nevertheless powerful and moving, even while it still has moments of self-indulgence and affectation. Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan deliver their best, bravest and most impassioned performances to date; Fassbender in particular, whose sorrowful eyes and rich charisma have never been in better use.
This review of Shame (2011) was written by Eero V on 10 Jan 2014.
Shame has generally received positive reviews.
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