Primarily known as a minimalist filmmaker, Steve McQueen‘s debut feature film Hunger starred Michael Fassbender and was critically praised even if it didn’t get any kind of Academy recognition. Now, McQueen has teamed with Fassbender once again with Shame, a film that sounds like it’s really going to test its audience once you consider the plot synopsis below in conjunction with the film’s title:
Brandon is a 30-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment, Brandon’s world spirals out of control. From director Steve McQueen (Hunger), Shame is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us.
Along with Fassbender, the film co-stars Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale and Nicole Beharie. It has not yet been picked up for domestic distribution, which means its Toronto Film Festival screening as well as its premiere at the Venice Film Festival will serve as its coming out party, where I am sure the producers hope it will be picked up for an assumed Oscar season run.
The 2011 Toronto International Film Festival plays from September 8-18. For my complete coverage click here.
