Phil sees SHAME at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose-January 27, 2012

Very few films can leave a lasting impression after its final credits roll across the screen. This winter, there have been a select few films that have done this (reason being is that it's Oscar season so all the best, intelligent, and stunning film are released this time of season). But with director Steve McQueen's new film SHAME, I left the theater in a haze of amazement.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film stars Michael Fassbender as Brandon Sullivan, a successful and well off man living in New York City. He seems to have it all, but he has a secret life in hiding. Brandon is a sex addict who constantly picks up women, hires prostitutes, views Internet porn daily and masturbates at any given opportunity (even at the office). His addiction affects his day to day life and as a result, he lives a lonely existence. However his life becomes even more complex when his younger and neurotic sibling Sissy (Carey Mulligan) crashes at his place. She interferes with his life, including sleeping with his boss, David (James Badge Dale) and suffers from her own personal demons, which sets Brandon off to tackle his addiction.

British filmmaker McQueen made a major impact on the film world with his his 2008 debut HUNGER (which is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from the Criterion Collection), and with this film, he continues his examination of the dark side of human behavior. Most filmmakers suffer from what is often referred to as "Sophomore slump," which means that a director's second feature doesn't live up to the high expectations as their first film set. However in McQueen's case, SHAME lives up to his debut film, making it a nice bookend to HUNGER.

Fassbender (who also starred in HUNGER) gives another brilliant performance. It looks as though Fassbender has been playing some very sexy roles. He appeared in David Cronenburg's A DANGEROUS METHOD (read my review for that film here) and now in this film he bares it all. Literally! Ladies in the audience will most likely dreaming about his chiseled physique and sexual prowess. But one must remember that his character is an addict, whose addiction literally controls his life, preventing him to find love and monogamy.

I give Fox Searchlight Pictures major props for getting behind McQueen and his film, releasing it with the stigmatic NC-17 rating. While the film is very frank with its sexual content and dark adult themes, the distributors never altered the director's vision. This makes me very excited for it will allow those adult audience members who wish to see a more adult film rather than the fluffy and unrealistic Hollywood films can now be astounded and moved by this piece of cinematic work of art.

SHAME is a haunting, uncompromising and riveting art house film; a moving cinematic tour de force that shows us how harmful and devesating not just sex addiction is, but all forms of addiction. Once again McQueen has created another masterpiece! Five out of five stars!

SHAME is currently playing in limited theatrical release nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the special screening of SHOWGIRLS hosted by Peaches Christ at the Castro Theatre-August 27, 2011

The Legendary Castro Theatre

After last night's Midnites For Maniacs show, I couldn't wait for the party to continue at the world famous Castro Theatre. Let's face it, nobody throws a party better than Peaches Christ! After last month's PURPLE RAIN extravaganza, I couldn't wait for this month's screening of SHOWGIRLS! Also, tonight was also the 11th anniversary of Peaches showing the film. And to top it all off, tonight's show was dubbed, "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers." So, ladies and gentlemen, let's get this party started!

My Ticket Angel

Upon arriving at the for mentioned Castro Theatre, I was greeted by a very cute ticket girl, who was nice enough to let me take a photo of her, which by the way I didn't get her name. So my ticket angel, if you are reading this, contact be so I can give you credit for your kindness! After picking up my ultra cool VIP Pass, I ventured around the Castro, then returned to the theatre and wanted in line. Since I had a VIP Pass, myself and other holders were let in early. I made my way down to the front row, where I made sure that my favorite seat was reserved. Then I made my way upstairs to the mezzanine where there were plenty of snacks and drinks to be consumed. Soon the theatre let the crowd enter, and soon it was madness. At eight o'clock there wasn't an empty set in the house, and her Majesty Peaches Christ took the stage!

The Goddess Peaches Christ

Peaches began with a fantastic musical number from the film, and the rest of her "Midnight Dancers" took the stage and the audience was treated to an elaborate dance number. After that, Peaches and her team did a reenactment of some scenes from the film. After that, the show continued with a contest for best costume. There were three winners (all SF natives) and all three had great costumes. After the contest, it was time for the "Night of a 100 Lap Dancers" to commence! Members of the audience had to sign up to participate in the event, to which she called up every single one of them. Her Midnight Dancers also helped out as well. So people who had purchased a large popcorn received  free lap dance, and that's when all hell broke loose! People were climbing all over seats, gyrating pelvises where everywhere, old people and young were giving it their all as the orgy of lap dancers continued for several minutes. (If you wish to see the craziness, I have photos of the show on my Facebook page, so head on over and check 'em out) After it was all over, it was time for the movie to begin!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1995)

SHOWGIRLS (1995) stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young and beautiful drifter who arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, but ends up as a stripper at the aptly named Cheetah Club instead. She meets a seamstress from the Stardust Hotel named Molly (Gina Ravera) and soon the two become fast friends. When Nomi encounters a chance meeting with the star of Molly's hotel show Goddess Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon), she manages to get an audition to be on their chorus line. Soon life becomes more complicated as Cristal sees Nomi as a threat to her and to her career as the star of the show, which creates a love/hate friendship between the two. Also Nomi sets her eyes on Cristal's manager and part time lover Zack Carey (Kyle MacLachlan) and the two of them become lovers as well. Eventually Nomi wonders if all of this stardom is worth the price.

Even before the film's original release, there was so much controversy surrounding the film. It was the first to receive the new NC-17 rating. It would also be Berkley's chance to shed her good girl image she had while playing Jesse from the Saturday morning TV show SAVED BY THE BELL. The abundant nudity throughout the film had the censors rioting in the streets. So when the film opened on September 22, 1995, it was an immediate bomb. However, like a lot films, it was ahead of its time, and found new life as a cult classic, being shown at midnight shows all across America.

Once again Peaches outdid herself with this event! And there's plenty more fun ahead, so if you are interested in becoming a fan of Peaches Christ, or want to view her upcoming shows, visit her website at www.peacheschrist.com.

To view the Castro Theater's film schedule, visit their website at http://www.castrotheatre.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!