Genre: Drama, Obsession, Family
Rating: R18+ High impact sex scenes
Cast: Michael Fassbender (Jane Eyre), Carey Mulligan (An Education), James Badge Dale
Director: Steve McQueen (Hunger)
In New York City, Brandon's carefully cultivated private life -- which allows him to indulge his sexual addiction -- is disrupted when his sister Sissy arrives unannounced for an indefinite stay. Shame is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us.
Selection:
I saw this film in Toronto at their International Film Festival last September and both Director, Steve McQueen and lead, Michael Fassbender were on stage to present it. McQueen worked with Fassbender on his acclaimed directorial debut, HUNGER. This work carries an urban theme of compulsion and self-loathing repressed within an outer facade of a beautiful and stylish lifestyle. The disorder establishes itself into a routine of gratification that almost fills to overflowing every spare minute of the day - establishing meaningful relationships is impossible as the compulsion rules every thought and excludes the possibility of normality.The viewer is engaged in some storyline guesswork as with most 'Post Modern' films that focus on characters rather than complex plots.
Awards & Accolades:
The Age's Jim Schembri noted the Oscar exclusion of Michael Fassbender for Best Actor as mind boggling and certainly this is a large courageous role to compare with any other in the Academy Awards nominations. Carey Mulligan performs the most hauntingly delicious version of New York, New York I've ever heard!
BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS Best Actor, Michael Fassbender
NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW AWARDS Top 10 Independent Films
Spotlight Award, Michael Fassbender
LOS ANGELES FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION Best Actor, Michael Fassbender
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL Best Actor Michael Fassbender
GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role - Drama, Michael Fassbender
BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS AWARDS
Nominated Outstanding British Film Leading Actor, Michael Fassbender
Nominated Outstanding British Film Leading Actress, Carey Mulligan
Nominated Best Original Screenplay, Steve McQueen and Abi Morgan
and more online!
Reviewers:
"Mesmerising" The Guardian
"Exquisite and emotive" Elle
"Scorching...a cinematic jolt" The Hollywood Reporter
"Daring and stylish" I.D.
"Courageous and distinctive" Time Out