Review of Shortbus

Shortbus deserves the widest possible audience, but that will be difficult to achieve.  The short-sighted nature of the monopolistic M.P.P.A. rating system in effect in the U.S. means that many theatres will never consider screening this remarkable film.  It is unrated.  What a shame!

Examining the symbiotic relationships among sex, self-discovery, self-expression and connecting on a deep level with other human beings, this sometimes funny, sometimes poignant and always emotionally engaging film demonstrates the cinematic mastery of John Cameron Mitchell.  There is no aspect of the film arts where the auteur falls short.

The music, dialogue, performances, pacing and astounding imagery blend to become a masterpiece of multi-layered art.  If you find nudity and sexual acts distracting or even disturbing, work through your adolescent hang ups with your analyst, if only so that you may be transported by Shortbus.

I give this film my strongest possible endorsement as a worthy work for any mature, thinking human being. 

Genre: Gay themed drama

Director: John Cameron Mitchell

Language: English

Availability: DVD

99Gay-Men.us Rating: *****

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