Shortbus (2006)

Shortbus (2006)
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John Cameron Mitchell, who created a cult sensation as writer and director of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, blazes a brave new trail with this comedy-drama which combines the stories of a handful of emotionally unsatisfied New Yorkers with some of the most explicit sexual material to ever appear in a mainstream motion picture. Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee) is a couples' therapist who has a major relationship problem of her own -- she's never had an orgasm, and her husband Rob (Raphael Barker) doesn't seem capable of giving her one. Sophia's clients include James and Jamie (Paul Dawson and PJ DeBoy), a gay couple who have been together for five years and are beginning to grow tired of one another. As James and Jamie discuss the possibility of bringing another man into the bedroom, Sophia accidentally mentions her problem, and they tell her of an upcoming "Shortbus Party," a sexual free-for-all in which straight, gay, and lesbian couples are all welcome to either talk about sex or take a more active role in the main ballroom. As James and Jamie hook up with Ceth (Jay Brannan) for some mutually satisfying action at the bash, Sophia experiments with Sapphic diversions, and begins to truly find herself when she encounters Severin (Lindsay Beamish), a professional dominatrix. However, while Sophia begins to find what she needs with Severin, she discovers that while Severin is able to casually enter into a sexual relationship, she's never been able to emotionally commit herself to someone else. Shortbus was screened in competition at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Sook-Yin LeePaul Dawson, (more)
Director(s):
John Cameron Mitchell
Format(s):
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Shortbus

John Cameron Mitchell, who created a cult sensation as writer and director of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, blazes a brave new trail with this comedy-drama which combines the stories of a handful of emotionally unsatisfied New Yorkers with some of the most explicit sexual material to ever appear in a mainstream motion picture. Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee) is a couples' therapist who has a major relationship problem of her own -- she's never had an orgasm, and her husband Rob (Raphael Barker) doesn't seem capable of giving her one. Sophia's clients include James and Jamie (Paul Dawson and PJ DeBoy), a gay couple who have been together for five years and are beginning to grow tired of one another. As James and Jamie discuss the possibility of bringing another man into the bedroom, Sophia accidentally mentions her problem, and they tell her of an upcoming "Shortbus Party," a sexual free-for-all in which straight, gay, and lesbian couples are all welcome to either talk about sex or take a more active role in the main ballroom. As James and Jamie hook up with Ceth (Jay Brannan) for some mutually satisfying action at the bash, Sophia experiments with Sapphic diversions, and begins to truly find herself when she encounters Severin (Lindsay Beamish), a professional dominatrix. However, while Sophia begins to find what she needs with Severin, she discovers that while Severin is able to casually enter into a sexual relationship, she's never been able to emotionally commit herself to someone else. Shortbus was screened in competition at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Complete Cast of Shortbus


Director(s):
John Cameron Mitchell
Writer(s):
John Cameron Mitchell
Producer(s):
Howard GertlerJohn Cameron MitchellTim Perell
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    Doug F.

    Probably the most sexually daring American film to date. Roger Ebert sums it up greatly, "It's not about sex but about sexuality, not about scoring but about living." Beyond all the sex, there is a great movie about acceptance and finding out who you really are. It's unfortunate that Blockbuster doesn't carry this title; just because of the sexual content i assume it is absolutely disregarded. What a waste.

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    Andrew F.

    It's kind of sad that I had to rent this from Netflix, but I found this movie thoroughly engaging. Sure the movie contains sexual content, but rather the film is about how we as people connect in a post 9/11 world. The film follows a group of people that come from all walks of life as they try to deal with their personal hook-ups and hang-ups in the big city. While some of the performances are uneven, points must be given for taking great risks in portraying humanity in the bedroom and on the streets. I hope that in the future Blockbuster will change it's policy about unrated content, otherwise I might have to switch to their competitors.

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    Anne M.

    This movie breaks all barriers about who we are sexually, spirituall, emotionally, and physically. Its about who we are, who we are with others, and what is really important. . .connection to the universe.

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