Director: Steve McQueen
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale
Brandon (Fassbender) is a man who struggles with the inner turmoil of his sex-addiction, which manifests itself in different ways. His sister, Sissy (Mulligan) comes to stay and invades the sanctuary of his apartment. The film follows him as he tries to cope with the stuff happening in his life.
Sheesh, what a yawnfest. I should have been more prepared because I really didn’t like 12 Years a Slave, which McQueen also directed. I’d heard many good things about Shame but to me it came off as a vacuous, drawn out film that doesn’t offer anything of note. There are long tracking shots of Fassbender lying in bed, walking around his apartment, running, and walking! Captivating watching. And we also get to see him pick up women with no effort, because he’s so sexual that he can just look at someone and their panties get moist.
I found it ponderous and dull. So he struggles with some issues, boohoo, the thing is, the film doesn’t do anything with these issues. It’s all well and good giving a portrait of someone who struggles with inner demons but at least try and make an interesting film with it. I found nothing redeeming about this film. If someone asked me ‘Why should I watch Shame?’ I wouldn’t be able to give them a reason. There’s nothing unique or special about it, it’s all just a bit boring really.
