Sometimes compulsion can be a good thing.

Film Review

Title: Shame

Director: Steve McQueen

Screenplay: Abi Morgan, Steve McQueen

Principle Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan

Runtime: 101 minutes

Release Date: December 2, 2011

Reviewed by Rhys Dowbiggin

It is a terrifying feeling, compulsion. Feeling the urge — not to want something or do something — feeling the need to. Compulsion can be trapping; it can cloud reason and judgment. Compulsion is a terrorist of the body and mind.

Shame is a film about Brandon (Michael Fassbender), a highly successful businessman with a serious sexual addiction. The perfect construction of his life is thrown into disarray when his sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan), troubled with her own personal demons, crashes at his apartment.

Brandon is a fascinating character. Possessing good looks, a quiet confidence, charm, and wealth, he has everything a person needs in the art of seduction. This only complicates his addiction. There are few women he cannot either seduce with his looks, his confidence, or his charm, and when those means do not achieve the end, he can pay. Brandon is a man with a powerful weapon, only as dangerous as its ammunition. Brandon holds all the ammo he needs.

Brandon lives an isolated personal life. His days consist of seeking sexual satisfaction at any moment; he pursues his urges with uncompromising zeal. Brandon masturbates when he wakes, he masturbates at work, while he watches pornography on his computer — both at work and at home. There is never a moment in which he does not seek what his body and mind need. A scene early in the film involves Brandon casually observing the people on a train car. Noticing a beautiful woman, he makes eyes at her. She is demure at first, and then slowly she reciprocates, matching his stare. A few moments pass and her face changes, doubt creeps into her expression. We see her ring finger — she is married. Despite this, Brandon tries to pursue her through the crowd when she exits the train. He loses her. Even in failure, all he needed was acknowledgment in that first moment, whereupon she wanted what he wanted.

Director Steve McQueen does a fantastic job approaching the character. He focuses on the man closely, allowing us to note his nature on a primal level. Most importantly, he notes the world around Brandon — the dazzling lights, ritzy nightlife, and dark streets — one can feel the temptations at every step. Brandon is a creature in a maze, not seeking a way out, only for the temporary reprieve from the walls containing him. McQueen is on form here.

The acting is exceptional. Michael Fassbender is fast becoming the go-to man for all filmmakers. Unlike many actors who dabble in mainstream cinema, Fassbender has the acting prowess to make those roles real. As Brandon, he is in complete control. Nominations are certain. Carey Mulligan stars opposite him as Brandon’s sister, she too, is wonderful. Her career parallels Fassbender: two exceptional talents who continue to impress.

Shame is not for everyone. The NC-17 American rating is a tad bit of overkill — an R rating would have sufficed, in my opinion. It is graphic at times. However, it is artfully done. Every moment has a purpose. Shame is certainly among the best films of the last year, although the field has been porous. In any other year, Shame would still rank highly. Do not hesitate if the opportunity arises to see this film. Sometimes, compulsion can be a good thing.

Written by :

rdowb