The Unspeakables

Today, the gals of The Unspeakables watched an advanced screening of the film “Shame” directed by Steve McQueen. We will each discuss our thoughts of the movie and share a review with you. 

Enjoy! 

*** Warning - may contain spoilers ***

Review # 1

After watching the film “Shame”, first thought that came into my mind was “That was different”, and it truly was. It depicted the story of a man who had a decent job, a nice place to live in, but behind the surface lied a dark history and an on-going battle with sexual addiction. We also saw the complex and unusual relationship between his sister and himself.

The film was unique and showed the story through Brandon’s lens. We saw his struggle on a daily basis as a sex addict and self-conflict with his uncontrollable sexual acts. I thought that Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of Brandon was outstanding. He immersed himself in the character and depicted Brandon as an individual who experienced an emotional, psychological and social hardship.

Overall, the film depicted a realistic and daring story that held no boundaries in the view of a man whose struggles seemed inescapable.  
Is it worth seeing? My answer, yes. Check it out for yourself!  

P.S. If you watch the film, you’ll get a view of the very nude Mr. Fassbender! ;)

Just saying!

xoxo, Jaz

Review # 2

One word to describe SHAME: WOW.

From the time Shame premiered at TIFF, I heard nothing but good reviews about it. I got curious of what the buzz was all about. I was given the opportunity to see this film today with my friends. I can say that it was very different from the movies we usually see. This is a type of film that will gain a variety of opinions from the audiences. What can you expect from a movie about a sex addict? Yes, sexually provocative scenes. The movie had no boundaries as it explored the life of Brandon & his struggles. It also explored his relationship (and somewhat disturbing) with his sister. The scene that really hit me was when Brandon found Sissy lying on the bathroom floor after cutting herself. Michael Fassbender gave an excellent performance. He really deserved that Best Actor award. Carey Mulligan also gave a great performance.

Shame also had its humour which I always appreciate in intense movies.

It definitely is a movie that will stick to my head for a while..

I will never see Michael Fassbender the same way again. Same goes for subways!

I recommend this movie but be aware of what you will see…The audience was quiet as the movie ended…that should say something. I can say that there was at least one lady who hated the film as she yelled “The movie was terrible!”

xoxo, Jen

Review # 3 

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Actors acting ability review:  

-decent drama skills   

-good chemistry…no awkward moments in terms of acting

2. Story line critique:  

-follows life of a nymphomaniac 

-incestuous connotations in some scenes…hmm

Shame. Though the direction of this movie was clear enough, the plot seemed to have taken a path of its own. From Brandon’s relationship with his sister to his polygamous nymphomanic encounters, the script leaves much to be desired. 

Simply, Shame follows the life of a nymphomaniac named Brandon, played by Michael Fassbender, as he struggles with his exceedingly growing need (*wink*) to filling that void (*double wink*) of sexual release. Though you will hear no complaints over here in terms of Fassbender’s portrayal of a character with apparent struggles (*triple wink*), it is the typical plot line of how nymphos are incapable of maintaining a steady relationship with anyone else other than the commitment of finding his next conquest. The redeeming quality of this fic: Fassbender’s butt screen time….and I guess the rest of him isn’t bad to look at.

Though a toast is deserved for Fassbender and Carrie Mulligan (who plays Sissy, Brandon’s troubled little sister) for their superb portrayal of a dysfunctional family life, the limits to their relationship has us scratching our heads with two questions: is their relationship teetering over incestuous or are they just that close? Though I would tilt towards a VERY close (I stress very) platonic relation, I would still say that there is an alarming amount of “I-like-seeing-my-sister-naked.”

Verdict? This would not be a spend-a-movie coupon type of film. I would recommend it as a rental for you and some girlfriends on a particularly cold night…..*quadruple wink*.

xoxo, Anna 

And there you have it folks! Will you watch Shame?