TotalTelly.co.uk

Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV

Shortbus [2006]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £3.68 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

In his aim to make an honest film about sex, John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) has taken a somewhat documentary approach to Shortbus, a film describing various New Yorkers' sexual pathos. Framed by shots roving a homemade diorama of the city, Shortbus is comprised of vignettes featuring actors who helped craft this story of people's disconnect in sexual endeavors. Jamie (PJ DeBoy) and James (Paul Dawson), a gay couple experiencing a lull in their relationship, visit Sophia (Sook-Yin Lee), a sex therapist whose inability to orgasm results in her clients inviting her to a sex club after which the film is titled. Sophia's husband, Rob (Raphael Barker), is also willing to experiment, so the two independently embark on adventures in self-pleasure. Dominatrix Severin (Lindsay Beamish) plays a crucial role in Sophia and Rob's lives, as her search for real humanity overlaps with their desire for passion.

As each character's plot complicates, the viewer sees a similar melancholy bulldozing its way into these seemingly disparate lives. The depression is repeatedly used in comedic scenes, such as when James is asked on a date while still hospitalised for his attempted suicide. Yo La Tengo's score, which includes Animal Collective among others, lends this film a graceful ambience. Unlike porn, Shortbus has a resonance that encourages the viewer to consider one's own sex life as an important aspect of happiness. --Trinie Dalton


Yawningly pretentious, moi?
Review date: 2008-10-16 Rating: 2 out of 10

I bought this after reading all the rave reviews on this very page and, feeling rather duped, I now feel it is my duty to be one of the few voices of sanity.
This is simply an arty-farty porn movie. A group of annoying characters with 'issues' talk a lot and indulge in hardcore sex.
"What's wrong with that?" one may ask, but there is an awful lot wrong with it. Unable to identify with, believe in, or even LIKE any of the characters, it was difficult to care about any of 'em.
"But what about the sex?" Another failing. I have no idea who this film is aimed at - too gay to appeal to a straight male and all the women are utter mingers.
So we have no plot, awful characters, ugly sex and ZERO eroticism.
I have no problem with pornography per se, but everyone knows how bad a 'porno-with-plot' invariably is, and that is all this boils down to in the end.

Similar Products

Reviews


Muck, muck, muck...oh no wait it's a good film too!
Review date: 2008-10-13 Rating: 8 out of 10

So it begins with a man pleasuring himself into his own mouth - that pretty much sets the tone of the entire movie. It's a tale of love and relationships focussing mainly on sex. It pulls no punches and I found the characters all to be pretty realistic. I wonder if it had been made without the explicit sex scenes, would it still be a good film?

Different.
Review date: 2008-10-08 Rating: 8 out of 10

A interesting film,at three for a tenner a bargain.The sex is not as bad as people are saying and it is funny,what do you want for this price,an epic?

Excellent
Review date: 2008-05-12 Rating: 10 out of 10

One of the best films I have seen this year. I was hesitant and the negative reviews prevented me from bying the DVD for some time. I am very happy I finally took the plunge.

Hysterical but thoughful too.
Review date: 2008-05-11 Rating: 10 out of 10

Cant understand the few negative reviews on here. Aside from the explicit opening scenes, which themselves are cleverly edited and intercut, there is a hysterical rendition of the star spangled banner later on with ingenious use of (male) body parts. Admitedly you'd have to be pretty broadminded to enjoy this film, but this is defintely not porn. The acting is of a very high calibre, the script is witty and the direction is excellent. I'd love to see the sequel. I'd also be interested to see these actors in a mainstream film just to see what they can really do. The extra features on this DVD set are also worth a look.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Sook-Yin Lee
Paul Dawson
PJ DeBoy
Yolanda Ross
Lindsay Beamish

Creators:
Yolanda Ross (Primary Contributor)
Lindsay Beamish (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures Video
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures Video
EAN: 5050582483062
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-06-18
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 97 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)

Add to Cart

© 2006 Darren Hester, DesignsByDarren.com, Some Rights Reserved.
Valid XHTML 1.0 Transitional