Last night was the opening night film for Cine-City 2011, The sophomore effort by Londoner and artist Steve McQueen, SHAME
It is not often we get to go to the cinema on a Thursday, but for the opening of a local film festival we had to rearrange. I took myself and Lyn down to Duke of York’s to catch the opening film. In a packed theatre the reaction was electric. Thie was helped along bey the fantastic and warm reception by the main sponsor, Jameson. Free cocktails anyone? I get the feeling that this years Cine-City is going to be the best yet!
Exciting!! Pic Courtesy of @starabarnett
Here is our review…
SHAME
TITLE – SHAME YEAR – 2011 DIRECTOR – STEVE MCQUEEN CAST – MICHAEL FASSBENDER, CAREY MULLIGAN WRITERS – STEVE MCQUEEN, ABI MORGAN
OK, time for me to settle some fears and worries. SHAME is anything but a Fassbender swoon fest of a film. There is no denying that he is a good-looking chap, and I know a few females who would give a limb for a kiss, but SHAME even though there is a fair amount of full frontal nudity is NOT a gratuitous in any way. It is an effecting journey, a tragic and devastating look into the mind of a sex addict.
Michael Fassbender plays Brandon, a single professional living in Manhattan whose sexual urges consume him on a daily basis. They play out in a variety of ways, prostitutes, masturbation, live web cams, porn. The beauty of Fassbender here is that although he is performing these acts to quench his thirst and calm his addiction he never comes across as creepy or as a predator. He is charming and troubled, acting out of complete compulsion. Brandon is thrown into turmoil and forced to account for his actions when his sister, Sissy, played by the beautiful Carey Mulligan, turns up on his door steps and crashes at his place. The film then turns into a brilliant character study about sibling relationships as well as being about sexual addiction. Set solely in Manhattan, McQueen does a brilliant job of showing the beauty of the city, without glossing over the seedier sides.
What I loved about SHAME is that it shows Sexual addiction in such a way that hasn’t been shown before. It is depicted much like a drug addiction. Shocking at first to see it in it’s entirety then as the story goes on we move past the shock and see the person behind the lurid acts.
McQueen is in top form with this film. His vision is second to none, and you can completely tell that this director is a Turner Prize winning artist, his framing and direction makes every shot feel like a piece of Art. Much like the famous long take in his previous outing HUNGER, we are greeted to long drawn out shots that are there to make us the viewer feel uncomfortable at what we are seeing. One memorable scene in a restaurant is consuming and tense but full of charm and humour. We feel compelled to look away, even when the film does not. Brandon’s downward spiral is littered with reflections. Reflections that seem to feel more twisted and warped as the film draws to its conclusion. The relationship between him and his sister is so tense and broken. We are not ever told what their story is. Why is Brandon so detached from emotion? Why does Sissy crave it? We are never made aware. What is apparent though is that they share a pain, something has scarred them and left them broken. They cope in very different ways, Brandon internalized, and Sissy became an extrovert. What is also plain to see is that the pair could not function without each other. But the beauty of McQueen is that he doesn’t need to tell us, it is all there if we care to look.
While the film hinges on Fassbender and Mulligan, Yes we see both of them completely nude. Yes we see many heated sex scenes that would make your Mum blush intensely, but it never comes across as merely there to arouse. McQueen is such a refined and polished artist that it comes across in spades in his film making.
I guarantee that when you see SHAME it will stay with you for days. It is consuming and affecting. The score used by McQueen for the feature is stunning and compliments the harsh angular lines and architecture of New York.
I am sure that there will be many who see this film as just over the top and even soft porn. But if you scratch beneath this there is one of the best character studies I have seen all year. McQueen has not been afraid to approach a subject that many of us try to avoid. He looks at how sex affects our lives and what it means to us, the good, the bad and the ugly. He is certainly pushing the envelope and it is great to see. We need more film makers like McQueen to challenge us and shoot beautiful pieces of art that look deep into your soul.
FRC Rating
Have you seen this film? Are you a fan of Fassbender? Did you enjoy Hunger? Comment below…
More From Custard
- Blu-Ray Review – The Skin I Live In
- CINE-CITY DIARY – 18th November – The Deep Blue Sea
- CINE-CITY 2011 Diary 23rd November – Breathing (Atmen)
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- Film Review #15: The Insider (The World According to Dave)
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18 Nov 2011, 2:11 pm
It sounds perfect! I am sucker for character movies, I love McQueen and Fassbender and the subject is interesting! January 12, please come sooner! Can’t wait to see it!
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19 Nov 2011, 6:45 am
Cool! I can’t wait for you to see it. I hope you get as much from it as I!
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18 Nov 2011, 3:58 pm
WOW, you made a special header for Mr. Fassbender!! So are you over Gosling now?
I have no doubt he looks good in this film but I’m not convinced this is my cup of tea or something I’d enjoy. Sorry matey, but I enjoy reading your review of it. Keep up the great Cine-CIty coverage!
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19 Nov 2011, 6:47 am
HAHA No, he is not ever going to steal that trophy!! But he is very good! There is no denying it.
I understand that this may not be up everyones street
Tomorrows pot will be more yours I think
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18 Nov 2011, 4:12 pm
Sex doesn’t really bother me in films as long as it’s done well not like some films (I’m looking at you Munich). I’m glad your review continues the string of good reviews I’ve seen for this. I’ d be very surprised if it comes out in a theater near me, but I’ll probably check it out when it comes out on Blu-ray. I guess it would be between Michael Fassbender and Ryan Gosling for Breakout star of the year.
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19 Nov 2011, 6:48 am
Be a shame, (he get it?) I was hoping for your thoughts on the movie sooner! Ah well.
Have a good weekend my friend
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18 Nov 2011, 8:20 pm
What a well-written review
This might sound like a crazy question, but how would you compare Shame to Black Swan on the disturbing scale?
Like Ruth, i’m still not sure this one is for me, even if it’s released here, althought violence affects me way more. This one just seems really bleak.
PS: I love the style of your banner Custie, that is Fassbender, right…?
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19 Nov 2011, 6:50 am
It isn’t as disturbing as Black Swan. At times it is pretty affecting and will leave you thinking after it has finished. But do not let the sex put you off. It is a great piece of art
Thanks, I am loving making these banners
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18 Nov 2011, 10:13 pm
I am so fucking excited for this!! McQueen indeed looks go be a powerful and provocative director, and Hollywood desperately needs more of those. SHAME looks to be one of the best films of the year.
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19 Nov 2011, 6:51 am
I guarantee you will love this film, my friend! 100% it is right up your street!!
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19 Nov 2011, 6:36 am
I will try to watch this one when i can. I have a special love for films that explore sexuality well
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19 Nov 2011, 6:51 am
Cool I look forward to your thoughts!
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19 Nov 2011, 7:05 am
Grrrrrrr, I wanna see this so bad! I’m going to find someone who can make me a fake ID before it comes here
I don’t even mind the topic that it takes on. I’m a huge fan of films that deal with addiction. Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan look great.
Excellent review!
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19 Nov 2011, 8:22 am
HAHA I suppose sometime it is cool being an oldie like me!
Fas and Mulligan are stunning together for sure. I hope you take as much as I have from the film Stevee
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19 Nov 2011, 10:57 am
I’m guessing there weren’t many pictures you could actually show on here without becoming a XXX website!
…I’m really looking forward to seeing this…looks like there’s plenty of quality on show (as well as other things!)
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21 Nov 2011, 12:37 pm
heheh It is pretty graphic, but not as much as other films I have seen. You will blush a little, don’t go with your Mother!!
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19 Nov 2011, 11:27 am
For whatever reason, your one sentence take on the score totally piqued my interest. I really want to know what kind of music compliments harsh, angular lines.
Anyways, I’ve wanted to see this ever since the whole thing about the rating made the rounds. Can’t wait.
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21 Nov 2011, 12:35 pm
It is a beautiful classical score. Stunning as much as the cinematography
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23 Nov 2011, 12:14 pm
Ah, ok. Good. Classical scores hold up better.
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20 Nov 2011, 4:34 am
I envy that you’ve gotten to see this already. Not coming out hear till December. Nice review Scott.
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21 Nov 2011, 12:34 pm
hehe do not envy, it will come your way soon. I have been pretty lucky lately
Thanks Sam
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21 Nov 2011, 6:22 am
5 stars is looking good. Anxiously awaiting to see this one before I read the rest of your review.
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21 Nov 2011, 12:33 pm
ah cool. I can’t wait to se if you enjoyed it as much as i did BT.
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22 Nov 2011, 9:58 am
Hi Scott, I really enjoyed reading your review. I saw Shame at the LFF and I agree it is a very artistic take on the subject matter and definitely not titillating. If you have a mo’ (it is movember after all) here is my take on the movie:
http://www.johnnymessias.com/2011/10/lff-2011-shame.html
Keep up the great work!
Johnny
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22 Nov 2011, 12:13 pm
Hi Johnny,
I will go and have a little look right now. Thanks for reading and taking time to leave a comment. Really kind of you.
S
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22 Nov 2011, 8:01 pm
Wow, 5 stars?? You’ve got me even more excited to see this! Great review, Scott.
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22 Nov 2011, 8:05 pm
Another great review Scott. Really looking forward to this one too, although really doubt it’ll hit the multiplex here. Holding out for the little indie cinema to show it, although wouldn’t be surprised if they shy off it due to the taboo subject. I really like Carey Mulligan so looking forward to seeing how she does in this one, I don’t expect anything other than brilliant!
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23 Nov 2011, 2:17 am
I really like your review here, Scott. Open, honest, and appreciative. Impressed that you liked it so very much. A good summary of what to expect yet without spoilers.
I’m not so sure I may see this one, but I am glad to hear that it is true and real as opposed to glamorous and flashy.
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24 Nov 2011, 11:38 am
Another movie that I fear will never get released in India due to its controversial content. But, you review is really good and it really breaks down the film which I know will help when I watch it.
I unfortunately once again must wait for the DVD to come out.
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05 Dec 2011, 12:32 pm
[...] for the second time, but this time with a packed theatre of the general public was brilliant. HERE is my [...]
12 Jan 2012, 10:19 am
[...] It is almost impossible to read a review of Shame without encountering a mention of Fassbender’s package. There we go, now that I’ve mentioned it and it’s out of the way I can write about the other exciting elements of the film! Shame has cemented Fassbender’s reputation as an exceptional actor and I would be staggered if it did not lead to his first Oscar nomination. He bares his all in what I am suure will remain as one of the best films of the year even though we are only eleven days in. Gritty and uncompromising yet completely riveting, Shame showcases Fassbender at the top of his game.You can read Scott’s review of Shame here [...]