Brandon is addicted to something more physically debilitating than alcohol or any drug: sex. As the film progresses, you can see in his face that it's taking a toll on him. Matters only get worse when his younger sister Sissy (Carey Mulligan) shows up.
There are many long takes within Shame, much in the same vein as McQueen's previous film Hunger. There are also several shots of Brandon in pure silence. It's within those shots you wonder what's running through his tormented mind.
We never do find out what caused Brandon and Sissy to be who they are. Was it because of a traumatic event? Were they always like this? All we know is that they're in New York City to start over. (This makes Sissy's rendition of "New York, New York" in one scene all the more poignant.) By the end, we still know very little about them.
Don't turn away because of the rating. It's much more than sex. It's about raw and honest feelings. Think of it almost as McQueen's take on Last Tango in Paris. Fassbender is in a role so bold, daring and powerful that comparing it to Brando's role is practically an understatement. Mulligan possess much of the vulnerability and naivety as Schneider did. In short, fantastic performances, fantastic film.
My Rating: *****
Great to hear! And I thought I couldn't get more excited for this film. I was wrong.
ReplyDeleteI cannot WAIT to see this film. Fassbender is a great actor, McQueen is a great director, and this sounds like exactly my kind of film.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could see this film! I heard that you had to see it with your mother...that would be awkward. After watching Black Swan with my mother I definitely won't be watching this with her...or anyone else. I can't wait for this to be released on DVD so I can see it!
ReplyDeletenice review. i really liked this film. much more mature than 'hunger' i thought which was a strong film as well. the audience was completely silent for it. it was a very tense, well-filmed and acted ride. rare these days!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I can't wait to see this. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.
ReplyDeleteGreat, flawless film. Could end up being my favorite of the year. "A triumph" it most certainly is.
ReplyDeleteI like unanswered questions sometimes. This was an instance where it made sense.
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