Shame Review

Michael Fassbender reunites with director Steve McQueen( after the pair collaborated with Hunger) with Shame, an uncomfortable film about sexual addiction and mental illness. Michael Fassbender plays Brandon, Carrie Mulligan plays Sissy who is Brandon's sister, and James Badge Dale plays Brandon's married boss, David, who flirts with almost any woman he encounters.

Brandon works at an unnamed firm with his boss David. He owns his own apartment, has a great job, exercises when he can, and has a sexual addiction. Brandon picks up girls at bars, goes on pornographic websites, pays hookers, and more to satisfy his addiction. One day, his sister unexpectedly visits. Brandon and Sissy are polarized opposites. Brandon doesn't believe in relationships or talking to people about problems while Sissy is emotionally needy and wants to talk about her problems. Brandon's sexual activities are disrupted due to her visit.

This film is not an erotic film. Yes it is rated NC-17 for some sexual situations but the way that director Steve McQueen treats the sexual scenes is different than other films. He treats it with such grace and emotionality that it is in a way, heartbreaking. There is a scene where Brandon goes on a date with a girl that he starts falling for. Eventually they go to a hotel room to have sex but cannot maintain an erection. The reason for this is because Brandon cannot have sex with emotion, only to satisfy his addiction. Eventually he goes through withdrawl and the viewer can't help but feel bad for him. Carrie Mulligan plays Sissy amazingly. Psychiatrists have said that Sissy most likely suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. Michael Fassbender is amazing as always. Steve McQueen and Fassbender never fail to impress. This film is no different.