Preview: Shame (2011)

Synopsis:

A playboy tries desparately to unravel his feelings towards a new object of desire, challenging his womanizing ways.

• Poster: B-

Review:

When simplistic works effectively, it's usually what the image symbolizes that sells it. This picture, limited as it may be, captures the true feeling of promiscuity the film suggests while showcasing the emptiness left behind when the deed is done.

• Trailer: C+; B

Review:

The running and panting motifs are a bit overused in this trailer, creating a confusing mess of a preview. For those familiar with the buzz surrounding the film it looks utterly compelling, but for everyone else, it seems questionably uninviting.

Although the artistic nature of the first trailer has been replaced with a more naturalistic approach to trailercraft, this second trailer is still fascinating. With "New York, New York" being sung over images from the film, it almost gains a surreal quality and when it's revealed that we're watching one of the characters sing, it just seems to fit.

Oscar Prospects:

Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan are receiving raves for their work in the film and either or both could end up in this year's Oscar pool, the film's only real shot outside of those two performances is in screenwriting.

Release Date:

• December 2, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (November 6, 2011) Original

-Wesley Lovell (November 27, 2011) New Trailer