Shortbus

Growing up in New York City there was always something about Greenwich Village. As a teenager it was forbidden place filled with ‘hippies’, drug users and otherwise strange people. Even though this was an exaggeration of the truth the Village always was a place where people sought personal expression that was not generally acceptable to the mainstream. ‘Shortbus’, the latest film by John Cameron Mitchell is reminiscent of the free spirited expression of sexuality that the Village as long been known for. First and foremost this is an extremely explicit film featuring non-simulated sexual activity. If not for a fundamentally strong narrative many would classify this film as pornographic. Actually, even though there is a storyline many people probably will still regard it as such. The film did make the rounds in the independent circuit with nominations and received awards at a few of them. There is a feel that the movie is controversial just for the sake of controversy. There is nothing inherently wrong with such cinematic experimentation but in this case the story revolves around people who most in the audience would be hard pressed to care about. In the more urbane centers typically present on both coasts the film may be hailed as ground breaking. For most of the country and a good deal of people on those coasts the film just gets lost.

The film starts with a technique that once was thrilling but is now too hackneyed. The camera swoops down from the air of Manhattan until it finally focuses on the neighborhood where the film takes place. There we see the four protagonists of the flick. Not wasting any time before pushing the envelope the audience gets to watch a man trying to orally please himself, a very flexible couple and a dominatrix with a client. The end of the first scene brings a new definition to bodily fluids. The ‘Jamies’ are a gay couple named thus because of the name they share. James (Paul Dawson), is a former street hustler who is now trying to make a serious relationship work. He has been living with his partner Jamie (PJ DeBoy) for about five years now. Recently they have been arguing over expanding their relationship to include another man. Unable to settle this between themselves and wanting to keep their relationship they seek the help of a therapist Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee). During one of their frank, open discussions the ‘Jamies’ discover that Sofia has been faking her orgasms her husband Rob (Raphael Barker) and that this deception has been going on for years now. James and Jamie invite Sofia and her hubby to Shortbus, a sexually oriented party. The party, hosted by Justin Bond, is the epitome of decadence. In one room music blares out while people chat about topics that could only be important to them. Then there is a lesbian corner and finally an orgy room where people can shed their clothes along with their inhibitions. Bond describes it as a scene similar to the 60’s only without the hope. Bond is a transvestite known as part of a popular drag act and is no stranger to the kinky world of Shortbus.

In order to loosen up Sofia begins to go to a spa with their isolation tank. At the facility she meets a woman named Severin (Lindsay Beamish). Severin helps Sofia become more sexually open. Sofia, in turn, helps Severin to become less afraid of social connections. Their intense conversations are something neither woman expected. Severin discloses to Sofia that she is tired of being a dominatrix for hire and wants to give it up in order to pursue her dream of being an artist. While at Shortbus Sofia and Severin take their new relationship to a new level and become sexually involved. Once the sex is over Sofia once again finds herself next to a spent partner but still only to climax herself. Meanwhile James and Jamie meet up with a young gay man, Ceth (Jay Brannan). He has done some modeling and wants to be a singer but so far he has not had much success. They invite Ceth into their bed and begin a Manage A Trois. Unknown to the trio their neighbor across the way, Caleb (Peter Stickles) has made it a habit watching the ‘Jamies’. He fears that Ceth is going to ruin things for the couple and put an end to his voyeuristic enjoyment.

I have to give credit to John Cameron Mitchell. It is difficult enough as a writer-director but to take on a project that you know up front many people will misunderstand or even condemn it a feat of some courage. Then again, Mitchell is no stranger to this feeling. Shortbus is his sophomore work, following the also sexually based, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Like Hedwig, Shortbus uses the underground sex scene as a catalyst for the emotional arcs of his characters. The place does not really change anything; it just makes the people who go there look at the world and their own problems in a different light. There are little ironies present in the story. The concept of a sex therapist that is unable to climax is just one of the little twists that help to drive this relationship driven plot. Mitchell often takes a humorous view to light up the intense sexuality of the piece. He employs 3D animation as well as the most outrageous rendition of the Star Spangled Banner since Jimi Hendrix played it while licking his guitar. Mitchell was not alone in penning the script. He allowed his actors significant input which is only right considering what they have to do in their roles. Underlying the extremely explicit nature of the film is an endearing human work. The people are not just bodies engaging in various forms of friction but rather emotionally complex and damaged individuals. This film is also an indictment of the practices of the MPAA. If Mitchell had submitted this movie to that covert board it certainly would have received the dreaded NC-17. Instead Mitchell rebelled and left the film unrated.

The cast is excellent here. Sook-Yin Lee has an emotional depth that is amazing. It pulls the audience into her character. While some may not feel that a failure to achieve orgasm is a major disability it affects every aspect of Sofia’s personal and professional life. Lindsay Beamish gives a realistic and ultimately sad portrayal of a woman who makes a living dominating others but is unable to control her life enough to realize her dreams. Dawson and DeBoy happen to play a gay couple but they are in the final analysis just two very broken people looking for a way to stay in love.

Considering the subject matter most major distributors would shy away from releasing this film to DVD. Fortunately, Think Films has. The anamorphic 1.85:1 video is flawless. The color balance is soft and warm. The Dolby 5.1 audio is most effective providing the rocking soundtrack with life. There is a commentary track featuring Mitchell and several members of the cast. The laugh at their memories of some of the more intense scenes and provide a very good look at how this difficult film was made. There are also a few deleted scenes and a featurette called "How To Shoot Sex: A Docu-Primer" which demonstrates that erotic scenes are not all that fun to make. In all this is a solid film but hardly for everyone.

Posted 03/02/07