Shame

What is it with director Steve McQueen and his desire for punishing Michael Fassbender’s body and soul? In his first film, Hunger (2008), McQueen subjected the star to starvation and now he’s turning him into a sex addict who goes through hell. Fassbender and Carey Mulligan are exceptionally good as a brother and a sister who are both damaged; she’s desperately seeking intimacy while he’s constantly (and joylessly) chasing orgasms. As a drama about addiction, this film doesn’t really separate itself from many similar screen portrayals, but McQueen hooks us by slowly (and very visually and physically) forcing us under the skin of Brandon’s problem.

The YouTube clip shows a trailer.

2011-Britain. 101 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by Iain Canning, Emile Sherman. Directed by Steve McQueen. Screenplay: Steve McQueen, Abi Morgan. Cast: Michael Fassbender (Brandon Sullivan), Carey Mulligan (Sissy Sullivan), James Badge Dale (David Fisher), Nicole Beharie, Hannah Ware.

Venice: Best Actor (Fassbender).