I am very curious to see this film. Real people having real sex. Try explaining that one to your spouse or partner.

Do not watch this movie while wearing a trenchcoat.

The director's (John Cameron Mitchell) first film, Hedwig and the Angry Inch was the best rock opera of the past 20 years and a stunningly great debut film, if you haven't seen it, rent it tonight.

I haven't seen Shortbus yet, but I have high hopes for his sophmore effort...

Upon hearing that my theatre had been selected to show Shortbus at such an early point in its expansion, there was quite a bit of discussion about the content of the film. Some worried that it would be exploitive, using sex as a gimmick to lure in the wrong crowd. Others remarked that the subject matter was deeply personal and should not be discussed publicly. Even more dismissed the cast as incapable of handling sex honestly. Yet, the film came to our theatre, only to meet great success on opening night. The film, simply put, is the most honest production to come from Hollywood in recent memory. I'd say this is one of the first films that accurately, provocatively, and remarkably explores human sexuality and the relationships that define us. The film chronicles a series of relationships and begs the audience to consider embracing their own identity, their own "demons" as the lyrics during the final moments of the film (so outrageous they must be viewed as more of a metaphor for self-fulfillment and embrace rather than reality) suggest, and find fulfillment in accepting and acting on their desires (be it desire for a close friend, another couple, or some other "controversial" object of affection). Skirting a fine line between outrageous and exploitive, Shortbus ends a fantastic success in my opinion. I realize that the subject matter is deeply controversial and may distract some, and others might find the film insincere and graphic... yet I fully endorse it. Go see this with the most open of minds. Aside from the discussion of the "exploitive" subject matter, I entered the theatre with an almost completely open mind and came out quite pleased.

Shortbus is one of the year's finest. A

I liked it. but i liked it because i got to see sex without the crap of porno talk. it was intimate. i didn't quite get into the different plots and i'm not sure exactly what the point of the movie was but it was definitely interesting to see all the sex that I saw.

Interesting response. I guess I should feel that way, too? I thought the film was rather thoughtful...

I loved Hedwig too so I can't wait to see this one either (and with explicit sex )

What a weird film. On one side, it does have the most sexually-explicit scenes I've ever seen for a formal theatrical release, but on the other hand, it contains some funny parts, has some close-to-heartbreaking moments, and touches some serious issues. Even though the overarching scheme isn't too clear, I was quite engaged overall, not because of all the sex, but by how the story is told. And it has a memorable soundtrack. B/B-.

Was it out on theatres in Portugal?

Hedwig was released in theaters here, actually. As for Shortbus, it's coming out next weekend I think, but I already saw it as you probably noticed I was afraid it would go straight to video due to its content and the fact that it wasn't as commercially successful as Hedwig, yeah...

Immensely enjoyable and highly inventive in every regard i'd consider Shortbus to be the best argument in the case of getting rid of the NC-17 ratings i have ever seen.

Yes the sex scenes are rather graphic but for me it only forms a small section of the story. its this films brutal honest when it comes to humanity's sexual urges and fears that really elevates this to the realm of must see, the spiky humour sprinkled thru every scene along with the excellent soundtrack just add to the enjoyment.

Its a real experience to watch that i would have no hesitation reccomending it to even the most closed minded of friend.

A

C+

Slightly overrated. I found the film touching and at times, hysterical. However the use of graphic sex scenes lacks any emotional edge.

Had some slight problems with it but I... I loved it. The cast's really great.

A/A-.

The acting was surprisingly good considering these are mostly first-time actors and you don't often find actors willing to do explicit scenes who ALSO happen to be talented.


The movies was great. I don't really see how anyone can say the sex was used as a way to brings crowds in since I don't remember a film featuring explicit sex ever becoming anything close to a blockbuster.

Although John Cameron Mitchell only has two feature films under his belt as a writer/director he shows quite a bit of promise and could become one of the most original directors working out there. And one of the best. I don't really ever see him making a film that will crossover into the mainstream. This certainly isn't it and it is not a movie for everyone. I love it and think I think a cult following is in store for it. And it features the best use of music in a film I've seen/heard in a while.

A-

and if you just want to watch the movie for the sex, it's not at all bad either.

Well, it ended up being removed from the release schedule, but it seems like it'll be shown in Indie Lisboa in a month... hmmm....

I didn't know what to expect going into it as I didn't really read what it was about exactly, but it turned out pretty good. If you can look past some of the material, which I didn't really find enjoyable, it's a good look at love and romance. I was most impressed with the acting since they are mostly all newbies and overall it was fairly decent movie.

B+

Since my video store nor the other one in town got this movie for rent and it was on a very long wait on Netflix I just blind bought it from Deep Discount DVD. Hell, it was under $15, and since there was a good chance it would kick ass I couldn't resist. I haven't watched it yet because I have to wait for a friend since she wants to see it too. We're planning on watching it this weekend. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

I found it entertaining and weird and rather charming, but for me it never transcended the rather pedestrian theme of the inability to forge connections, which, even in this very sexual context, struck me as stale.

I thought there were a couple weak links in the acting line-up, but it's otherwise nicely acted, and very earnest.

A good experiment, though, that's worth a look.

B

I got this on Virgin's (fnar) Movie's on Demand last night, mainly to watch the graphic sex, but was surprised by how engrossed and moved by it I actually became. Sure, the sex is sometimes titillating, but it's also absolutely integral to the film.

Great, great film.

A