In his aim to make an honest film about sex, John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) has taken a somewhat documentary approach toShortbus, a film describing various New Yorkers' sexual pathos. Framed by shots roving a homemade diorama of the city,Shortbusis comprised of vignettes featuring actors who helped craft this story of people's disconnect in sexual endeavors. Jamie (PJ DeBoy) and James (Paul Dawson), a gay couple experiencing a lull in their relationship, visit Sophia (Sook-Yin Lee), a sex therapist whose inability to orgasm results in her clients inviting her to a sex club after which the film is titled. Sophia's husband, Rob (Raphael Barker), is also willing to experiment, so the two independently embark on adventures in self-pleasure. Dominatrix Severin (Lindsay Beamish) plays a crucial role in Sophia and Rob's lives, as her search for real humanity overlaps with their desire for passion. As each character's plot complicates, the viewer sees a similar melancholy bulldozing its way into these seemingly disparate lives. The depression is repeatedly used in comedic scenes, such as when James is asked on a date while still hospitalized for his attempted suicide. Yo La Tengo's score, which includes Animal Collective among others, lends this film a graceful ambience. Unlike porn,Shortbushas a resonance that encourages the viewer to consider one's own sex life as an important aspect of happiness.--Trinie Dalton
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I fell in love with John Cameron Mitchell after watching Hedwig and the Angry Inch and became a total Hed-Head. I've probably seen the movie about 20 times, and saw the musical live once, so I couldn't wait for his second movie to come out. I remember when he was casting for Shortbus, he didn't yet have a script, and he asked for couples of all shapes, sizes, races, etc, who were comfortable with their sexuality and being nude to audition. I love how after the cast was complete, they all came up with the script together. Good stuff.