Shame

Follows an arc familiar from numerous other films that deal with the theme of addiction — an accelerated freefall towards rock bottom followed by self-awareness and a hint of redemption.

Shame is, indeed, a perfect distillation of the suffering-guy archetype.

Cleverly written and beautifully portrayed, Shame is a sensitive look at sex and addiction we've rarely seen before in film.

The film's numb attitude assumes that Brandon's problem is beyond reach or rescue. So why are we watching, except for high-tone misery and something close to pornography?

Many may hail Shame as a voyeuristic masterpiece when in fact it's an empty provocation verging on the ludicrous.

It is an exercise in controlled primeval cinematic chaos, the filmmaker going places and showcasing facets of the human conditions many would run screaming in the opposite direction to get away from.

There's no doubting that it's artfully shot, but its lack of dialogue and challengingly languorous pacing will be patience-testing for many.

Steve McQueen’s painful cinematic display of loneliness in the city features acting of the highest caliber.

Steve McQueen’s Shame takes a nonjudgmental and uncompromising view on sex addiction.

Destined to cause debate, Shame is a film that will stay with you long after...