Alternative to What: "Shame" (2011)

Michael Fassbender

Welcome to Alternative to What: a weekly column that tries to find a great alternative to driving to the multiplexes. Based on releases of that week, the selections will either be thematically related or feature recurring cast and crew. The goal is to help you better understand the diversity of cinema and hopefully find you some favorites while saving a few bucks. At worse, this column will save you money. Expect each installment to come out on Fridays, unless specified. 

THIS WEEK:

Shame (2011)

- Alternative To -

50 Shades of Grey (2015)

There's plenty of obvious reasons that 50 Shades of Grey has sparked debate. From its basis as "Twilight" fan fiction to the erotic novel's bizarre, fetishistic nature it screams as something that appeals to audiences at a base level. It is taboo and full of a fantasy that women (allegedly) have involving rich men who wish to make them submissive. This is as much as I know without going into the actual plot and understanding just what it's about. Either way, it features yet another alteration on Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" song (see also: The Great Gatsby). I don't know how good it can actually be, but it does promise sex and that's the theme of today's recommendation.

In a world where there's limitless amount of time and a sustainable audience, I would recommend Lars Von Trier's four hour magnum opus Nymphomaniac from last year. However, it is both too explicit, sad and four hours long. Instead, I have decided to take this alternative to a different, more accessible place. Before director Steve McQueen became a sensation with 12 Years a Slave, he made a movie called Shame. Focusing on Michael Fassbender as a sex addict, it may be one of the most earnest and heartbreaking depictions of sex from contemporary cinema.

It also delivers on its promise of sex. Sure, it may not be as erotic as 50 Shades of Grey and serves more as a study of, yes, shame; but it still features a captivating and more honest look at a taboo addiction. It is one that many don't want to consider is a problem and instead live with it, unsure where boundaries lie and what a healthy amount it. For starters, it features a dynamic performance by Fassbender and features a great performance by Carrie Muligan as his sister. In fact, the family dynamic may be a little misconstrued, but it opens up to a more complicated view on sex.

It would be disingenuous to not point out now that this recommendation isn't meant to be taken as a heightened fantasy of sex and power. There are movies out there that are more applicable to this. However, this is the one film that I feel manages to be critical and vulnerable on the subject while maintaining a certain level of honesty and enjoyment. It may lie too much in the quiet moments, some involving awkward sex, but it creates a portrait unlike any other with a performance that bares all and leaves the audience to contemplate the tragedies of what they have just seen. Sex can be cathartic, but it also has some shame to it.

While slavery and sex addiction may be things that are inherently different, they are applicable in judging whether or not you will enjoy Shame. 12 Years a Slave takes the bleakness to harrowing heights. The moments linger to emphasize characters and their uncomfortable struggles. While Fassbender isn't hung, there's moments of contemplation that feel as tortuous to watch if not in the right mood. It does manage to feel both invested in its story while somewhat isolated from the city around it. Shame is a story that constantly badgers people for acceptance and thanks to the charming lothario of Fassbender's performance, it works most of the time.

Maybe there's very little overlap for people who like Shame and 50 Shades of Grey. However, both deal with sex addiction in very different and compelling manners that are worthy of note. For all of the heightened passion that is likely to fly on screen for this weekend's release, there's a dark and depressing side that while not always the case, manages to convey something that American cinema has trouble addressing (see: Thanks For Sharing) without turning into a comical folly. Shame is a film that requires patience and acceptance of the discomfort it will likely raise. However, it is overall very fulfilling as a film and character study when given a fair chance.