I had the treat of seeing the film Shortbus at the Vancouver International Film Festival today. The festival guide provided a description of:
It’s like the 60s, except with less hope.” So remarks flamboyant ringmaster Justin Bond, by way of describing the lascivious goings-on at Shortbus, the underground New York salon that gives John Cameron Mitchell’s sprawling, audacious film its name. Debuting at Cannes to rapturous applause, Mitchell’s much-anticipated follow-up to Hedwig and the Angry Inch is easily the most sexually graphic mainstream American film ever made. Mitchell announces his intentions with a bang: after an animated welcome to New York City, we are introduced to the principle characters and their sexual partners in various modes of coupling, both gay and straight–and, in most cases, acrobatically.
At the heart of this ribaldry is Canada’s own Sook-Yin Lee, seen inflagrante delicto as Sofia, a married sex therapist who has never experienced an orgasm. She’s counselling a gay couple, knows as the Jamies, one of whom is in deep depression, and is preparing a Tarnation-like home movie that may turn out to be his suicide note. The Jamies introduce Sofia to Shortbus, and at the club she bonds with a dominatrix, Severin, while the boys enlist a third, Ceth, to save their relationship. This is definitely not the opera (although there is a very special rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”), as Mitchell has created an exceptional, highly sentimental portrait of modern city dwellers unable to allow others to penetrate their shells in non-sexual ways. Developed by Mitchell in collaboration with his stellar ensemble, Shortbus is a spiritual quest for genuine contact in a fractured, post-9/11 age.>
There were many exceptional scenes but just as a personal note I want to remind myself of:
- The stop-motion and/or fly through scenes of the model of New York City.
- The use of eye contact with the viewer in the sex scenes.
- The idea of a character exercising their Kegel muscle while peeing.
It was also wonderful to hear Yo La Tango doing the soundtrack. I suspect this will be a new high water mark for sexuality in Canadian film. I have to confess that all the “grinding” did make me over look some plot short comings where a few story threads were not explored or resolved to my satisfaction. It’s the classic day later situation where something pops in your head and you’re left with “hey, what about…”.
Uncensored Trailer from iFilm
The NYC premiere!
“Life” Directed by John Cameron Mitchell
Space Paradise was a part of Alternative Anime: Crossing Boarders which I’m sad to report was one of the few shorts in the series worth watching. The quality of the artwork is stunning and the story has some really strong elements for a 17 minute film. Other films in the series simply made my ears bleed.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Jessica Doyle // Oct 22, 2006 at 10:22 am
Dee the pic at the top of the post appears to similar to you and Junko. How long will Shortbus be playing in the theatres?
Your comments sectiond is wonderful now!!! *hug*
2 Dee // Oct 22, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Jess, you’ll have to see the movie before making too much of a correlation of Junko and I and the movie image shown. We’re all very different characters, in this case the Asian woman is a “pre-orgasmic” (never had an orgasm) sex counselor and the husband is an unemployed artist. Two very different creatures but fact that they like to hang out in their underware does provide some mutual ground.
This film is currently showing at Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
3 Junko Ogawa // Oct 22, 2006 at 10:15 pm
What’s my reason for going to see Shortbus?
I’m questioning myself as to why I am confortable to be in a monogmous relationship? Is this because of my own insecurity or because of my upbringing? Of course my upbringing has effected me greatly to make me the way I am today, but still, I can’t help thinking what if I am only living in a fixed idea?
Today, I have some questions for those you who are in the open relationships.
- Why open relationships?
- Is it easier to deal with lots of little bits of time with different people than dealing with everything from one person?
- Some casual dating along with the primal relationship, why don’t you have just a bunch of casual dates?
- What’s the reason for having a primary partner? (besides having the same needs)
- What the fuck is open relationship anyway?
Someone said,
I think I loved seeing Shortbus for this reason
4 Dee // Oct 23, 2006 at 2:07 am
*Phew*
Big questions Junko…
Just a FYI for everyone, Shortbus does have elements that question open relationships and asks how “the rules” might be challenged. In an effort to keep discussion interesting I’ll step up and try to give my two cents towards Junko’s questions.
1. Why open relationships?
2. Is it easier to deal with lots of little bits of time with different people than dealing with everything from one person?
3. Some casual dating along with the primal relationship, why don’t you have just a bunch of casual dates?
4. What’s the reason for having a primary partner? (besides having the same needs)
5. What the fuck is open relationship anyway?
Soooo, after all these intense questions perhaps it’s a topic that should be explored for a scene in the Porcelain Philosophers project? Would anyone be willing to express their thoughts for use as dialogue?
5 Junko Ogawa // Oct 23, 2006 at 11:59 am
5. What the fuck is open relationship anyway?
No, you’re sensing a big confusion.
I understood now, it’s just one of the ways to connect with people, however, my confusion and fear had conquered my heart since someone named it “open relationship”.
Name = generalization, and we often end up missing the thoughts and spirit in it.
I’d like to try expressing my thoughts, and you’ll see my closed heart to be free. I have an idea for this story line. We should discuss about it!
6 Dee // Oct 23, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Self preservation is always a fundamental human instinct. Your fear is very understandable and I think you should be proud that you’re willing to see past your fears and ask the bigger questions, I really admire you for that. Sometimes I wish I was as brave as you.
I think making this a creative project is a wonderful way to explore what it means to you. Please feel free to share your story idea here or in person. Jessica is an expert in making the ups and downs in her life creative projects, perhaps you should include her as well in your discussions.
7 Jessica Doyle // Oct 26, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Dee I believe you mistook my intenetion when I commented
It just reminded me of times I’ve seen you guys in bed (No pun intended). The image reminded me of you both. The movie description you wrote describing Shortbus did not.
Hangin’ out in one’s underwear is the best
8 Jessica Doyle // Oct 26, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Junko
I’ve asked myself that question many times over my life. I’ve come to the conclusion that we get to make a choice. We get to decide to live whatever idea we dream. The fixed idea is something we all have to face. But whenever we do the fixed idea gets questioned and what comes out the other side is a new beginning and also an ending of the fixed idea. I’ve noticed my fixed ideas morph and adapt over time. I love it as much as I dread it, yet this awareness of change I accept.
It’s as easy as it is difficult. It’s kind of like seasons?
Junko OMG! You got it right on the nail! Open Relationships is such a new concept in todays world that many including myself are still trying to figure that out. I think it is an idea.
to be set free…
I love you Junko *kiss* I think it’s my turn to exchange our shared journal between one another. I’ll bring it tomorrow night.
9 Jessica Doyle // Oct 27, 2006 at 12:11 am
Darren and Junko
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