Review – Shame

There are very few films which prompt me to put pen to paper so quickly. Shame, the latest humanist-exploration-flick from Steve McQueen, is a stark portrayal of a man in crisis. His debut film Hunger, a meandering prison drama following the method hunger strike of Bobby Sands was of a similar vein. A powerful piece of filmmaking, from idealistic beginnings to malnourished end, it showed McQueen’s adeptness behind the camera.

Thankfully none of his skill has been lost with his fictional second feature. Michael Fassbender is quickly cementing himself as an entrancing, yet mild actor who’s capable of real confliction and crisis.  On the surface, Shame’s protagonist is a successful executive living a bachelor lifestyle many men would be envious of.

Under the surface, plagued by sex addiction and unable to show any connection to another human being, is a scary and often graphic depiction of the modern era. Empty of emotion, driven to regularly pleasure himself on work time, in the shower and at home, with pornography and chance encounters driving the false lust, Shame shows us just how alone someone can be.

Regardless of regular sex, whether it is city bar conquests or paid prostitution, Shame’s lead is alone. Even his similarly damaged sister and her constantly cries for help cannot break the cycle of devastation.

At the end we have no indication of redemption. It’s a cold film, peppered with graphic sexual imagery, suggestive taboo undertones and realistic depictions of the human body in all its fragility. Shame, much like its portrait-subject, won’t leave you satisfied. There’s no light at the end of metaphorical tunnel of love.

However, what it will do is cement both actor and director’s entrancing ability to bring an audience into the lives of dysfunction personified. The film’s score is particularly haunting, merging with questionable material and painting a picture of ruin.

A man on a downward spiral with nothing to stop him but an empty live devoid of warmth.

Depressing, motivating and essential cinema from start to finish.

Tagged: Film, marco fiori, Michael Fassbender, Review, Shame, Steve McQueen