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Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

Whether it was in his role as a sauve British officer in 2009’s Inglourious Basterds, or as the super-powered Magneto in X-Men: First Class, Michael Fassbender has been steadily building his status as a genuine movie star. With a plethora of nominations under his belt, including a Golden Globe, for his turn as a sex addict in Shame, Fassbender has proven he’s also a genuine actor.

From the outside, Brandon Sullivan (Fassbender) has all the appearances of a successful, white-collar thirtysomething who still has a bright future ahead. Underneath the fancy shirts and jackets is a flawed man who cannot satisfy a sexual addiction that is uncontrollable (and real—not faked, like the ones real-life stars use as excuses for their cheating). There doesn’t seem to be enough porn, prostitutes, or random sexual encounters in the world to alleviate his desires.

As a result of his addiction, Brandon is incapable of having an intimate connection with a woman, including his emotionally fragile sister, Sissy (Carey Mulligan, Drive, Never Let Me Go). Brandon values his privacy for obvious reasons, but it’s thrown into chaos when Sissy, the only family he has, suddenly moves into his apartment for an indefinite period.

It’s clear from the start that their relationship is strained at best and Brandon’s emotional disconnect only makes it worse. His increasing resentment towards Sissy pushes her over the edge and causes him to feel the full brunt of shame’s wrath.

Fassbender brilliantly conveys his character’s troubled soul, often with just a tragic look in his eyes. He’s also able to easily transition from subtlety to the power of raw emotions laid bare. You don’t know whether to feel pity towards Brandon or despise him. The chemistry he shares with Mulligan is spot on. Despite the tense situation between them, they still manage to convey a sense that a deep-rooted bond exists.

Shame carries an NC-17 rating for good reason, as it contains a ton of nudity and graphic sexual content. McQueen (Hunger), who’s still relatively new as a director/writer, presents a story that’s honest, uncomfortable, and unapologetic in its delivery. Sometimes it feels a little disjointed, but it remains a solid effort by McQueen. It’s not a film for everyone, to be sure, but there’s no shame in that.

On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, Shame receives a B-.

Shame is rated NC-17 and has a running time of 92 minutes.

Now showing through January 26 @
Tivoli Cinemas
Westport Manor Square
4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO
Visit www.tivolikc.com, or call 913-383-7756 for more information.

By Michael D. Smith

Indie Film Editor

Michael D. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in history at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri followed by a Master of Arts in history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Inspired by such critics as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, Michael started reviewing films in 1992 for College of the Ozarks's student-run newspaper. After returning to the Kansas City area in 1994, he continued film reviewing by writing for the Cass County Democrat Missourian in Harrisonville.

In 2000 Michael joined Sun Publications in Overland Park, Kansas where he served as its film critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor. During his tenure there, he was also the film critic for the "Fine Arts Radio Hour" and "Celebrity Scoop" radio shows on KXTR. After leaving the Sun in late 2002, he became the A&E writer for the Olathe News in Olathe, Kansas. He also worked as a freelance writer for The Squire in Leawood, Showcase Publishing in Lake Ozark, Missouri and the Kansas City Star.

Michael is currently a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, a professional film critic organization established in 1966 by the late Dr. James Loutzenhiser.