Is 'Shame' the 'Black Swan' of 2011?

Short response to that scintillating headline: Not a way! However, both of these films convey more in keeping than you may initially think -- and not simply simply because they both range from same studio (Fox Searchlight). Ahead, five reasons the Steve McQueen-directed sex-addiction drama 'Shame' may be the 'Black Swan' from the 2011 gaggle. 1. Outstanding lead performances in not-so-outstanding movies As honours season pulled on in the finish of 2010 and into this season, the excitement on 'Black Swan' went from instant classic to camping classic. The Darren Aronofsky-directed film -- particularly the cuckoo bananas third act -- was more arch and hysterical than most honours-bait, this despite a committed performance from Natalie Portman, who appeared to increase concerning the fray whilst wallowing in 'Black Swan's' ridiculousness. 'Shame' is not as silly as 'Black Swan' -- just the opposite, it is so ... damn ... serious -- but it is similarly problematic. As Brandon, the sex addicted NYer at 'Shame's' center, Michael Fassbender is absolutely brilliant, however the film somewhat allows him lower with a little an excessive amount of repetition along with a not-as-shocking-as-it-wants-to-be third act. There's a great deal to as with 'Shame,' but it is a difficult movie to like. 2. Same-sex make-out periods A minimum of area of the reason 'Black Swan' made $329 million worldwide? That hug between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis! 'Shame' includes a similarly bracing same-sex liplock (it is a spoiler, so you will get a maximum of that), though thinking about the participants and also the film's NC-17 rating, it's doubtful that can help tha harsh truth. 3. NY City subways fresh from 'Warriors' Pet peeve time: NY City subways no more seem like they did in 'The Players,' plastered with graffiti. Which is the reason why movies like 'Shame' and 'Black Swan' (and tv shows like '2 Broke Girls') so infuriating. When Brandon is riding the subway, your window behind him is included with scribble (see above). As somebody who takes that train line nearly every day (it is the N and R line), I'm able to attest it is not as untidy. This is not 1981, 'Shame'! Seriously now. 4. Rising ingenues playing second-fiddle In 'Black Swan,' Mila Kunis never really will get an opportunity to shine with Portman consuming the spotlight in 'Shame,' Carey Mulligan is worked an identical hands, though she comes with one show-preventing moment: a downcast version of "NY, NY" that breaks Brandon's heart, and most likely yours too. 5. Addiction Clearly and all sorts of, but nonetheless: 'Shame' is about sex addiction and just how it may eat away in a person's soul. 'Black Swan' is all about a dependancy perfectly, one compounded because Portman's Nina is certifiably crazy. (Still, nobody cuts their finger nails like Nina unless of course they've a-rooted perfectionist issues.) Possibly she and Brandon will make an excellent couple -- whether it wasn't for your annoying mortal wound in the finish of 'Black Swan.' [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook