The League of Austen Artists: sex addiction

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Michael Fassbender: 'I wrongly assumed Shame would be just a fun job' (Digital Spy)

Published Tuesday, Jan 31 2012, 10:02am EST | By Justin Harp

Michael Fassbender has admitted that he initially had the wrong impression about playing a sex addict in Shame.

He said that at first he believed his Shame role would be an easy job, but soon found out that the role was incredibly taxing.

"I must admit - I initially thought it might be fun. You hear 'sex', and you think... sex. But this was definitely the hardest job I've done," Fassbender quipped to W magazine.

The actor further explained that it was a true challenge to get inside the mind of his Shame character Brandon Sullivan, because the man was totally consumed by his addiction.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Michael Fassbender's nudity 'stir' (Female First)

05 January 2012

Director Steve McQueen does not believe any comment would be made if Michael Fassbender's nude scene in 'Shame' was played by a woman.

Michael Fassbender's nudity in 'Shame' would not be commented on if it was played by a woman, the film's director claims.

Steve McQueen, who has previously worked with the Irish-German actor on film 'Hunger', does not believe the short shot of him completely naked is a big deal, and thinks too much pressure is placed on men in modern society.

He said: "Just having Michael walk naked round a corner onscreen causes a stir. If it had been a woman, no one would say anything.

"I think 'Shame' is about what it is to be a man now. It's about all of us. I want the cinema to be like a mirror that reflects us. So people see this guy isn't a freak. He's one of us. It's difficult, being a bloke."
He also believes Michael - who won Best Actor prize at the Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of sex addict Brandon in the movie - was perfect for the role because he combines both the masculine and feminine.

Steve added to Esquire magazine: "He's a man's man, but there's a vulnerability to him, a femininity, that can be very beautiful. I don't think a lot of actors could have played Brandon."