Shame is a cold look at the impact of addiction on a person's life. The film is beautifully shot and masterfully edited. The colour palate of winter New York really adds to the cool feeling.

While some may find this film to be shallow and unfeeling, I believe that is how you are supposed to feel. Addiction takes over peoples lives and leaves them hollow, without any purpose except getting the next fix and easing the pain.

Absolutely astounding acting by both Fassbender and Mulligan.

Be aware that there is full frontal nudity (both genders) and numerous sex scenes, so you might not want to see it with your mum.

A full review can be found at An Online Universe

Fassbender puts on an acting clinic. He's unreal in this.

'We're not bad people, we just come from a bad place...'

That line is as close as this movie comes to providing context for Michael Fassbender's sex addict Brandon and his depressed sister, which is nothing you wouldn't have guessed. The film depicts Brandon's depravity graphically and effectively, and is utterly focussed on its theme, but despite the great performances and excellent storytelling, the lack of context or sense of character development prevents it from being as satisfying a watch as it might have been.

Observations:

- Sound is used very, very well in this movie.

- Elizabeth Masucci made an impression with very little screentime.

- 'That Guy' is Chase from 24.

See Also:

Hunger. Other than that I realize I've basically seen nothing I'd compare this with. Time to watch some movies about drugs and The Girlfriend Experience.

Shame is a mature, provocative film about sex that confronts desires seldom admitted in American cinema....

My full review for Total Film: www.totalfilm.com/reviews/blu-ray/shame-2011-1

A wonderfully acted and beautifully shot, tragic portrayal of addiction. Fassbender is astonishing in a film that was sorely snubbed at Oscars this year.

Absolutely beautiful film with perfect performances from Fassbender and Mulligan. Stylishly constructed and with an uncompromising sense of emotional power, its another fantastic film from the highly talented Steve McQueen, who can only get better. It's a damn 'shame' that it didn't a BAFTA or nomination at the Oscars. My personal favourite of 2012, so far.

Fassbender's acting moved me. Shot with a precise coldness, stayed in my mind for days. Beautiful score.

Fassbender is Super

Beautiful cinematography, freaky storyline, great acting. Overall a perfect drama. Spice up your film watching with this one.

Could've been better, but it dips in the middle and never quite recovers. Still, a really really strong film. Everything that has been said about Fassbender's performance is thoroughly deserved.