Sex. It can be just as dangerous as exhilarating, just as dull as exciting. And in many ways this same contradictory analogy can be used to describe Steve McQueen's highly controversial Shame.
Telling the story of Brandon, a 30-something man living a luxurious life in New York who is unable to adequately manage his sex life, Shame is a unique character study that must be seen to be fully understood. When his sister moves in Brandon's provocative lifestyle is spun out of control, forcing him to come to grips with his addiction.
The film is taxing on its audience from the get go. A well deserved NC-17 rating allows McQueen to dig deep and fully expose his leading man. Michael Fassbender bares all to craft Brandon, leaving nothing to the imagination as his habitual actions are on full display, allowing us to witness his dependency on erotic behavior.
Carey Mulligan is the perfect counter to Fassbender as she brings a vulnerable female to the forefront with Sissy. Her innocent behavior, when mixed with Brandon's erratic actions, sets up a dynamic emotional pull. We believe them to be siblings, fighting through their differences to understand one anther's needs. But with their relationship on the brink of destruction we witness what can happen when a regimented routine is thrown a curve ball - and it isn't pretty.
The film itself is a true to form art hour piece. It is occasionally slow and consistently character driven. The music is fascinating as Mulligan lends her voice to a very effective rendition of 'New York, New York' and McQueen does a brilliant job at crafting a character unlike anything we've seen before.
It takes a very special viewer to see and understand Shame. It is a film you must be prepared for and open to. It truly is a piece of art where the beauty truly rests within the eye of the beholder.
