Review by xanadu2300

I am a fan of Mitchell, and of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. If I had not been, I doubt I would have even considered watching this film. I am not a prude in any way, but most attempts to include unsimulated sex in movies has always come across as gratuitous, and consequently take one out of the movie. I therefore had very low expectations about Shortbus. But, because Mitchell wrote and directed, I had to at least give it a chance.

I could not get the idea of the sex out of my mind before seeing this film thanks to all of the internet buzz and protestations of the ignorant masses. I just knew going in that all of the negativity attached to this film would just be hanging overhead like a dark and dreary storm cloud throughout the entire screening.

...I could not have been more wrong.

After the first few images, I found myself immersed in an intricate and very serious storyline. Having had some experience with two different partners who each suffered from forms of depression, I was completely drawn into the film and its characters. I felt for them. I forgot completely about the stigma attached to the movie that I was watching, and just wanted to see the characters through to the end. At times I felt helpless, sad, happy, relieved, but never disgusted or distracted. This was in no small part due to the incredible acting from the cast and their chemistry with one another.

I am so glad that I gave this movie a chance. I don't think that anyone who does could possibly be disappointed.

I found myself wondering after seeing it if it could have worked with simulated sex, instead of real sex. I have tried to answer this question, but find it hard to do so. Would it have changed anything? Would it have made it less real. I felt that the sex, as it was represented in the movie, made the story more tangible. I felt comfortable. I really don't know if it could have worked with simulated sex or not. But, having seen it, I really don't care.