Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, Nicole Beharie
Running time: 101 minutes
Certificate: 18
Extras: Interviews, Trailer
After 2008’s HUNGER, director Steve McQueen and Michael Fassbender reunite for this tale of sex addiction. It is, of course, this pairing that proves the key to SHAME’s success. There’s an undeniable rapport between McQueen’s camera direction and Fassbender’s performance. From this comes one the year’s most powerful films – beautiful, intense, and disturbingly graphic.
Fassbender plays Brandon, a New York sex addict whose life is further complicated when his unbalanced sister Sissy (Mulligan) invites herself to stay. With Brandon unable to abstain from sexual activity for even the duration of his working day, there is a question of what lies beneath his troubled relationship with Sissy.
Former artist McQueen has captured New York perfectly. This is not just the grandiose city we know from the movies, but a place with dark crevices and secrets, where lurks to satisfy his urge. Whilst McQueen shoots the city beautifully, his major strength comes in his long takes, allowing Fassbender to slowly reveal Brandon. The character’s next move is always uncertain, and McQueen doesn’t flinch for a second – we are stuck with Brandon, a man whose life is difficult to watch. He is unable to relate to anyone on an emotional level, and for the most part, the viewer is no exception.
It is a testament to both director and star that SHAME remains engaging throughout, despite its ice-cold veneer and clinical, dark approach to sexual intimacy. Credit must also go to Carey Mulligan, whose portrayal of Sissy is equally troubling. Her intentions are as dubious as her sex-obsessed brother’s, and Mulligan hints subtly at something dark within.
It’s something of a rarity in this age, but SHAME genuinely covers new ground with its taboo subject matter. Dark, gripping, and strangely attractive.
Extras: Whilst it’s interesting enough to hear from both Fassbender and Mulligan – two of the industry’s most promising stars – the overall package is underwhelming.
SHAME is available on Blu-ray & DVD 14th May
