Thursday, October 13, 2011

Shame

British artist turned writer and director Steve McQueen returns with his second feature that reunites him with his star Michael Fassbender for another profound character study. A young and successful New Yorker's life takes a downward spiral when his equally damaged and fragile sister shows up. Both siblings who share a troubled past can't connect to anybody intimately leaving them alone and isolated with devastating consequences. McQueen and co-writer Abi Morgan deliver an unflinching look of two psychologically damaged characters beyond repair whose attempts to reach out are truly heartbreaking and profound. Fassbender gives a fearless and riveting performance as the tormented man whose addiction to sex hints at the abyss of his suffering. Carey Mulligan also gives an outstanding performance as the fragile sister whose attempt to reach out for help proves shattering. 1001 Films' coverage of the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival.

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