Shortbus (6)

daitchen's profile

Posted by daitchen on Mon 11 Dec 06, 2:36 PM

On the whole, I really enjoyed this brave film about accepting sexuality, and learning to celebrate it, in all its variety and, sometimes, complexity.

It is explicit, funny, and very compassionate.

The only quibble I've got concerns Severin/Jennifer, the Dominatrix. The other main characters have various problems - James' suicidal depression that leads him to try to set up his gay partner with a future replacement for him, Sofia the sex therapist's (!) inability to orgasm. It is clear that these difficulties are in no way intrinsic to their sexual orientation - don't want this to be a spoiler, but let's just say they work things out.

But what is the root of Severin's unhappiness and feeling of being unable to connect and form "real" relationships? It couldn't be that being into BDSM per se is supposed to be the problem, could it?

Well, I'm left with a small doubt about that, which is a pity. I'd definitely recommend going to see it and deciding for yourself, though.

Replies

11 Dec 06, 5:53 PM
StrictlyCumKinky
UK(TW), 3 yrs

Yes, I agree with you exactly. I thought that the Domme character was very one dimensional and wasn't remotely like a good domme. There are some dommes out there who do it just for the money or do it because they're just letting out the pain from their past, but the majority have much more well rounded characters. It showed they didn't do very much research!
N

16 Dec 06, 1:07 PM
Beelzebunny
3 yrs
I wouldn't have said that Severin's problems were intrinsic to her sexuality - though I did feel that they were a linked to her being intimate with people she didn't really like.
There was very little in the way of explanation or history given for any of the characters' problems.
Perhaps she wasn't a brilliant example of a domme - but should she have to be. She's just a character - why should she be perfect or representative - none of the others are.
I found her an interesting character and her journey touching - I really liked the ending, where she'd come down to the same level as everyone else and although she was still watching, was watching in a different way - engaging with other people.
I have to say I loved this film. I laughed and I cried and my head is still spinning with it.
(/__/)
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www.beelzebunny.co.uk

16 Dec 06, 8:13 PM
Carnelia
UK(N), 2 yrs
Is this actually on general release here yet? I can't find it on anywhere near me (London).

17 Dec 06, 8:41 PM
daitchen
UK(SE), 6 yrs
We saw it at the Curzon in Soho. I'm not sure how long it's on for.
"What alters the imagination alters everything" (Ted Hughes)

19 Dec 06, 7:35 PM
TailsLondon
UK(SW), 3 yrs
Y!
I really enjoyed it. I saw it last weekend and although I accept the criticisms about the Domme character, I think it was quite clear that these were people and not representative characters. I don't think the gay characters were stereotypes, nor the sex therapist. The club organiser stole the show anyway.
I think the name Severin was also a subtle hint that being on top might not be her thing as in Venus in Furs Severin is the submissive character.
It was also showing in Clapham and Angel when I looked.

30 Dec 06, 11:10 PM
Saffire
UK(L), 3 yrs
Y!
It's on at FACT in Liverpool January 11-14.
See www.fact.co.uk
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