Shame, 2011

Shame, 2011
Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale



Stage: Home theatre, late night with an aim for a good piece


Shame in short: Brandon is a 30-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment, Brandon's world spirals out of control. From director Steve McQueen (Hunger), Shame is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us


Preps: It was at our "creative" theatre, a while ago, when this piece became notorious. I wanted to see it at that point, knowing the storyline, and was deeply interested. But I never made it to the movies. Anyhow, seems like a proper night to spend it on this.

Reality: Well, like McQueen's Hunger, this piece also strikes hard into one's perception of the world. Following Fassbender with his pervert actions and fantasies from the start feels like fun and is really intriguing, however with the depth of the movie (the length), you get the feeling of loneliness. Striving towards fulfilling human flesh hunger cannot replace feelings and emotions that happen in relationships. Having everything at a distance may seem like a good place to hide or a good way to avoid trouble, however, it is vividly shown, it also leads to loneliness, depression, introvertism.

Brandon is constantly trying to escape, surpresses his own feelings and own soul and lets noone near him. Only the surface you may smell, he might be thinking, every time he makes an interaction with any female. On the other hand, watching this I get a distinct impression sex is around every corner, if you want to see it. The intriguing thing is that the only time Brandon comes, is when he's paid for sex or when it happens in a way you can smell a prostitute (or a prostitute like relationship). The scene, when he cannot come hard with a woman he really likes, is really sad and makes me doubt even more if this is the way someone can really lead a life.

The only rescue path he's offered and obviously refuses, is through his own sister, the person that just walks into his perfectly set life and makes a mess out of it. He doesn't like it and almost forces her away with dogs, but she's persistant and just won't go away. Is this the way a relationship with your relatives is supposed to be or work? I believe also relatives need to deserve respect and not take anything for granted. I believe we should respect one's aim to be alone and lead a private life. However through some sane observation, one could simply state that Brandon represents a loonie, someone fit for mental institution. And to others he could be a hero. He is everything a "nomal" person isn't. Especially when it comes to pervert thinking and making it real. I doubt that a lot of people have such a distinguished collection of porn things at home.

The walk through a small part of Brandon's life keeps me sad and emphasizes the feeling of loneliness, yet alone, the feeling of wanting to hold someone and just be grateful for this. We aren't meant as some kind of sex machines or some tokens one takes just when he/she feels like having fun. Having a relationship can in my opinion bring much more satisfaction, because at that time, even sex has a different approach and meaning, and is not perceived just as a midnight sport.


My personal rating: 8,0 (sad and depressive, solid drama. A wonderful interpretation of what becomes of someone if he closes into a basket and leaves noone besides).



Shame on IMDB