Review of Shortbus (2006) by David H — 14 Jun 2008

This Unrated (sexually explicit, but not sex for entertainment), film begins with a depressed man unable to feel emotion, engaging in a type of male sexual self gratification that would make most men envious and would bring a smile to all men's faces. Instead of a smile he cries. His very patient, understanding, yet emotionally starved (and very hot looking) male lover finds it necessary to consult a "couple's counselor." It turns out the couple's counselor (aka sex therapist) and her husband are struggling with her inability to obtain orgasm. Seems she had trouble relaxing with him. He, like PJ, is also very much in love and will do almost anything to help his wife. Finally, we meet a female dominatrix who discovers, through her clients ability to add "extra texture" to the painting behind her bed, that although she satisfies the needs of her clients, hers are left unmet.

All of these people meet in NYC's underground musical, carnal, and well, anything goes, meeting place called "Shortbus.".

This is a film, not so much about showing us sex acts but about how the different ways that people interact intimately and the boundaries we set for ourselves.

From the director of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, John Cameron Mitchell, this is an extremely emotional, highly sexually charged insight to the persuit of happiness as most people think they can attain through their sexuality. Also prepare to see some fantastic graphical representations of NYC before, during, and after the major electrical blackout.

I highly recommend Shortbus with 4 stars.