British director Steve McQueen's second feature film "Shame" is an elegant and in-depth portrayal of a sexual addict. It is visually explicit but emotionally subtle and demonstrates the inner world struggle of the protagonist. More importantly, it shows how one can insolate oneself from the outside world with pornography and purchased sex and finally lose the courage to face reality.

Brandon (played by Michael Fassbender) is on a one-man island. He is good at his job and lives in a nice apartment in New York City. He does not have many friends. After work, he watches pornography and goes whoring. Even the computer in his office is filled with adult videos. He is so addicted to pornography and purchased sex that he does not know how to start relationships with women in real life.

In fact, Brandon does not believe in marriage and runs away from any potential long-term relationship. He cannot even tolerate his sister (played by Carey Mulligan) after she has an affair with his boss. Trying to dispel her from his apartment, he says to her: "You trap me and force me to a corner." I think that these words are not just for his sister but a manifesto of his attitude to any long-term relationship.

Certainly, Brandon is not proud of his sexual addiction and is in fact deeply shamed. He tries to kick his habit but ends up relapsing to it. Struggles make him fell sadder and guiltier. Trapped in the walls built up by his addiction and introvert personality, he is helpless and vulnerable.

Michael Fassbender gives his best performance of his career as Brandon, with intricacies unseen in such blockbusters as "Inglourious Basterds" (Inglorious Bastards) and "X-Men: First Class." His role does not have many dialogues so he has to use facial expressions to convey the character's feelings. As a result, it seems that the character lives in him. In many long shots, a simple look from him is so penetrating and expressive that Brandon bares his soul. Acting from British actress Carey Mulligan is also very impressive. Her character is everything opposite that of Fassbender. Her laughter and liveliness in her performance are great fun to watch. Mulligan's talent is versatile. In the film, she sings the song "New York, New York" with a surprisingly touching rendition.

Director Steve McQueen takes a topic that could easily overflow with sex but lack in depth. His elegant and unconventional directing manages to avoid both. None of the sex scenes are out of context. In fact, the editing and tranquil music scores make them artful. McQueen shows how a sexual addict suffers and offers no moral judgment.

McQueen may want to explore the reason for sexual addiction and self-isolation in metropolitans like New York. There are many scenes happening on night streets and dim-lit quiet bars. They undeniably give the sense of loneliness. The Internet also plays a big role in Brandon’s sexual addiction. Considering those factors, I speculate that McQueen may make a point that city life distances people from each other, and the lack of interpersonal communication causes Brandon's addiction.

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