Review of Shortbus (2006) by Mike A — 27 Apr 2008

''New York is where everyone comes to be forgiven.''.

A group of New Yorkers get caught up in their romantic-sexual milieu converge at an underground salon infamous for its blend of art, music, politics, and carnality.

Sook-Yin Lee: Sofia.

Paul Dawson: James.

Lindsay Beamish: Severin.

Shortbus isn't for everyone, and if your prudish about things of a sexual nature then it's best to pass up on this maybe. Parents should send the kids to bed.

It takes alot to shock me sexually personally, which to me is why Shortbus, I could see past the sex and see that this isn't what it's about. It's a small part of what SB truly is.

Whats that you may wonder...Well it's a film which gives us an insight into a colourful array of characters each with their own fundamental problems in their lives, each trying to find an answer best relating to those problems, those factors.

Sofia is a sex therapist who has never experienced an orgasm, which some women may take for granted but I guess there's a pleasure and sense missing without it. When shes under a Narnia-esque lamp post upon a bench. Its wonderful imagery, wonderful as Sofia tried to achieve that cosmic Pandora's Box implosion.

It's not just straight couples analyzed but in Shortbus every aspect is analyzed. Three men in a three way relationship, a Dominatrix who's never had a serious relationship and a guy who doesn't know what he wants.

Which brings me to what Shortbus is in short. It's a place where these people, many people go to find what their looking for inside themselves sexually as well as mentally. It's not just some excuse for a huge orgy which could be mistaken if your not watching carefully or immersing yourself in the interweaving story.

I'm afraid Shortbus for me went very quickly due to my enjoyment of it. I don't think it's one I would watch over and over but definitely once and a while the issues it raises are very important in life, just not alot of people like to talk about these things openly in public discussions which is fair enough. If you have an open mind and don't take it the wrong way then give Shortbus a go.

A character study, not just a sexual journey but one of awakening too.