Shame (2011)
Somehow, sex addiction seems uninteresting.
Presentation:
Steve McQueen presents a cold presentation of a man struggling with sex addiction. Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan have good performances, but the for some the lack of dialogue may leave many feeling bored. There’s just a few too many scenes of characters contemplating in the mirror or reflecting on their hardships. It’s an interesting and effective choice to present shame, but it’s misleading because the film is more about his relationships and not really about shame. In the meantime, the sex addiction is apathetically portrayed by design, which is effective to illustrate the tone and introspective psychology, but makes for a bland experience with entertainment a low priority.
Conclusion:
A hit or miss, this film could be a slow burn for those that also suffer from sex addiction, which if I had to guess isn’t widely relatable. The addiction and shame aspects are an afterthought, with the depressing lamenting relationships taking the forefront instead. It’s not a bad film, but not really a memorable one either. Ultimately, I didn’t find it entertaining or thoughtful, but the depressing disillusioned tone should speak to many drifters.
Recommendations
A violent metaphor on burden, trauma and guilt.