Shame (NC-17)
Movie Blurb by Shale
December 16, 2011

"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation ..."

That quote by Henry David Thoreau just popped into my head by the end of this movie; a drama, somewhat disturbing and yet intriguing. Not implying that the protagonist is like "most men" but the fact that so much of it hits home could also give me personal pause, as well as most men.

From the opening scene we meet Brandon (Michael Fassbender), a successful businessman in NYC just waking up before his alarm goes off.



Brandon is also consumed by sex (Most studies say this is a common male trait). But he goes beyond our normal fixations, to the point of obsession. He looks at porn in magazines, watches it on the Net, hooks up with casual acquaintances, hires hookers and masturbates frequently. All of this BTW, quite graphically portrayed on-screen, where we feel a little embarrassed that we are so close to the action and not in a 3-way.



(Go here for the front of this shot)
http://cdn.crushable.com/files/2011/10/fassbender-shame-2-640x425.jpg

We also learn that Brandon is quite a loner and has no lasting relationships.



Then his sister (Carey Mulligan) comes to stay a while, which upsets Brandon's whole routine, causing friction that goes beyond what we will ever learn of their history. But we do know that Sissy has her own set of problems.

Brandon & Sissy on Couch (not at all content)


There is conflict between Brandon & Sissy and Brandon goes spiraling into more self-destructive behavior. There were times, with the mood and the sex that this reminded me of so many French art flicks I have seen.

This movie is not my usual escapism, but I did enjoy seeing it. Having gone thru the Sexual Revolution I was naturally curious just where I might be on the Sex Addict continuum. Did all the things Brandon did in this movie, but never so obsessed with it. Sorta like a non-alcoholic who could drink one glass of booze & walk away.

I attended the early matinee around noon and the theater was not crowded. It wasn't until leaving the auditorium that I noticed there were no women, and all the men were middle aged to old. (I felt so out of place).

Could be they were all gay and wanted to see the reported full-frontal nude shots of Michael Fassbender, which were of him walking thru his apartment naked, uncut and semi turgid. Might be worth checking out.

Thanks for the review Shale I wanted to see this movie, heard so much about it.

I saw "Shame" at the NYFF and also a few weeks ago. I though i wrote my thoughts, but here goes again:

Wow! One of the most scorching riveting film accounts of human sexual behavior I've ever seen. Brandon (Michael Fassbender) has a compulsion, which is as addicted as any drug addict or alcoholic. He lives off of sex. Sex of all kinds, as long as it doesn't end up in a commitment. He spends very little time thinking of much else. His anger is nourished by sex, sex and more sex.



Brandon visit's the sex clubs, hires prostitutes, does the bar scenes, preys the Manhattan subways. But what ever sexual road Brandon travels he never seems fulfilled. The opening reel very graphically tells us where Brandon's mind is. He's not a slob, but polished, good looking and intelligent.



Life begin to change for Brandon when unannounced his younger sister (Carey Mulligan) Sissy arrives. For opposite reasons Sissy is also a damaged and tormented individual.


As you watch Brandon and Sissy you realize there's something sickly wrong. The director/writer felt it wasn't necessary to tell us about their younger family days (I agree). It shows upon the hurt they enforce on themselves. It's written in sadness.


A great character study of lonely damaged souls, carried out by two terrific performances, who deserve Oscar nominations.


This film is not for everyone. Just remember it rated NC-17. But please don't stay away because you may think it's all about sex


4.5/5 Stars


Jack