Oct. 02, 2011|United Kingdom | Canada | United States|102 Min.|NC-17
Genre: Drama
Description: Shame (2011) is a film that delves into the life of Brandon Sullivan, a New York City executive and lifelong bachelor. Brandon’s life is marked by a compulsive need for sexual activity, often engaging with prostitutes and frequently masturbating. His mundane routine is interrupted when he makes eye contact with a woman on the subway who initially seems interested but quickly becomes uneasy and disappears into the crowd. This encounter fuels Brandon’s obsession, leading him to act out inappropriately.
Brandon’s life takes another turn when his sister, Sissy, unexpectedly shows up at his apartment. Sissy, a lounge singer, is emotionally fragile, as evident from her desperate phone calls to her lover and the self-inflicted scars on her arms. Despite his discomfort, Brandon allows her to stay, though their relationship is strained. Meanwhile, Brandon’s workplace faces a computer virus issue, and his boss, David, discovers that Brandon’s hard drive is filled with pornography. David mistakenly blames Brandon’s intern for the content.
As the story progresses, Brandon’s emotional walls begin to crack. After watching Sissy perform “New York, New York” at a bar, he becomes visibly moved, though he quickly hides his vulnerability. Sissy’s impulsive actions, such as sleeping with David in Brandon’s bedroom, further complicate their sibling dynamic. Brandon’s attempts at a normal relationship, such as his date with co-worker Marianne, fail as he struggles with intimacy and commitment.
The film paints a raw and unsettling portrait of addiction, loneliness, and the fractured relationships that define Brandon’s life.
Cast director: Steve McQueen
Cast actor: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Nicole Beharie, Lucy Walters, Mari-Ange Ramirez, Alex Manette, Hannah Ware, Elizabeth Masucci, Rachel Farrar
Original name: Shame