‘Shame’ DVD Review

Director: Steve McQueen

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan

Plot: Brandon is a successful business man whose personal life and emotional well-being is constantly stunted by sexual addiction. The arrival of his sister back into his life sends his already poor state of mind into more of downward spiral than usual.

Review: On occasion you look at what an actor is doing on screen and wonder what possessed them to sign up to the movie, and marvel at how brave they must be to bare so much in front of the cameras. When Viggo Mortensen flopped his tackle around for a sweaty man-wrestle in a sauna is was surprising. When Monica Bulluci subjected herself to one of the most brutal rape scenes ever committed to celluloid is was shocking and admirable that she went to such a dark place. These examples pale in comparison to what Michael Fassbender committed himself in Shame. His performance in this film is shocking, horrifying and impressive, and it is downright startling what he subjects himself to.

From a film-makers perspective it really must make for an awkward day at work. Fassbender has already physically pushed himself for this role, going from his strong physique in X-Men First Class andInglourious Basterds to a pasty, sallow and practically decimated figure. This is confrontational from the outset with him appearing completely nude and simulating masturbation, but then things get taken up a notch when urinates on camera. This is done in one take to make it abundantly clear that he is actually pissing in front of the camera crew and all you viewers at home. For my money though the awkward day on set came when director McQueen said to Fassbender “now place your face into her butt right here”.

Putting aside the very graphic and confrontation approach to the subject matter, there is plenty of quality film-making and performances to enjoy. Fassbander carries the role with a quiet depth. Most of his roles are dialogue free, with Brandon’s pain and ultimately shame with what he feels compelled to do. Even at times when he has the opportunity to connect with another person who could fulfill his needs he sabotages himself and then throws himself into another degraded scenario the director never indulges in any long winded exposition, rather leaving it to the viewer to interpret the situation before them. Fassbender has had rewards heaped upon him for this film and it’s not surprising. This is the kind of performance that often gets over-looked at awards such as the Oscars because it is so introverted so it’s good to see it being recognized.

Carey Mulligan is equally impressive  in the equally challenging role of Brandon’s sister Sissy. Bring the more outwardly spoken of the two she more material to work with and she goes to town with it. Mulligan is always consistently brilliant and even then this is a strong performance for her. The scene in which she performs a slow jazz rendition of ‘New York New York’ is a highlight of her acting reel.

McQueen’s directing is impressive to say the least. He’s got an unflinching lens and he isn’t afraid to let in linger on the details. In an era of fast cuts and excessive flourish it is almost a relief to see a movie that is willing to linger. The long drawn out and dialogue free scenes give plenty of thinking space for the viewer to contemplate the situation before them. This is countered by the largely unspoken narrative dealing with the human psychology. The audience is left to contemplate what has been said without any resolution and the characters unable to learn from the experiences. In fact the final scene implies that the character is doomed to repeat the mistakes he’s making, leaving one depressing finale. If you can be satisfied with a movie just being a damn well made movie then this is worth at least one watch.

Score: EIGHT outta TEN