Shortbus

Shortbus.  You have to get on to get off.  By John Cameron Mitchell

Shortbus is the latest move adventure brought to us by John Cameron Mitchell of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame.  While Hedwig was a breakthrough of polysexual force on the stage when it was released, Mr. Mitchell's study of the human sexual condition continues in his latest movie.

Mr. Mitchell is obviously obsessed with sex, sexual roles, and the finding of ones other half, or maybe even two thirds.  And really, who isn't obsessed with this pursuit except for the lucky few who have completed it and possibly those people out there who claim to be fully asexual.  While this movie is unrated and contains a lot of footage of actual sex acts of all types, it is much more beautiful and much less vulgar than so many Hollywood movies that would rather show someone's head being pulled from their spinal cord than they would show any form of sex or even love.  Considering the recent release of This Film is Not Yet Rated, Shortbus appears to be the perfect companion piece, especially considering that Mr. Mitchell didn't even bother to get Shortbus rated.  I can only imagine what the ratings board would have done with this work.

In Shortbus, a pre-orgasmic, but married, sex therapist goes on a journey with two gay men to find her orgasm and their "third."  The journey takes them a salon in Brooklyn called Shortbus where all sorts of love occurs.  Between two, tree, or more, between men, women, and even those in between.  It doesn't matter who you are at Shortbus, just that you find love.

As the incredible Justin Bond says, "It's like the 60's, but with less hope."  Justin's performance as the hostess of the event is truely fabulous, and his final song is perfect for the moment for the movie.

Shortbus is a true New York movie, capturing the city as a character within the film.  And it captures many New York characters at their best.  New York is where people come to be forgiven according to one character (I won't say who), and in this movie, the once outcasts of society have found and care for one another.  They have forgiven each other, and they are there to hold each other up.  In some way the sex of Shortbus may leave you breathless and wide eyed, but the love will give you great joy.

tags: shortbus  john cameron mitchell  film  movie  sex  hedwig  angry inch  

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