Michael Benton: A Short Response to Shortbus

I find it to be an open, honest and powerful exploration of contemporary sexuality and a challenge to us to be more accepting of diverse sexual perspectives. While it can be difficult at times (expecially for those that are not open to the myriad ways in which sexuality is expressed/communicated by humans), it seems to me to be a hopeful film that seeks to call out to us in a post 9/11 world (it takes place in NY) of anger, fear and hate, asking us how we can make meaningful lives/loves. Now the film is very explicit at times in portraying the sexual lives of its characters, but it seems to be much better than the common Hollywood portrayal of sex. It doesn't over-romanticize sex, it is there in all its absurdity, lust and craziness, but there is also the possibility of love and meaningful-connections. This film made me laugh, puzzled me at times, and move me to tears. It led me to wonder about the difficulties of human interaction and to hope for a better world.

Could we ask anything more of a film?



History of Sex in Cinema

More responses to Shortbus:

Gina Willis: "You Gotta Get On, To Get Off!"