MovieChat Forums > Shame (2012) Discussion > Lack of negative consequences for Brando...

Lack of negative consequences for Brandon

posted 7 years ago by Dr_Julius_Strangepork
1 reply | jump to latest

i have many issues with this movie, but the one that most stood out is the lack of consequences brandon has as a result of his addiction. other than the guy at the bar beating him up, he faces no negative consequences. his work computer is found to be filled with porn, usually cause for immediate firing or at least severe discipline, but his boss covers for him. all of the money he spends on prostitutes and porn doesn't appear to affect him, he has a nice apartment in manhattan and dresses well and eats and drinks at nice restaurants and bars. he's late for work frequently, yet his co-workers just make jokes about it. he doesn't appear to have any stds. he's not in any legal trouble from the public sex.

so, he obviously is a highly functioning addict, which is common. but it still stood out to me.

trying to anticipate rebuttals, his sister's suicide attempt is not a negative consequence of his addiction, that cannot be blamed on him. his foray into the gay bar is not a negative consequence of his addiction, he got exactly what he needed to satisfy his fix.

[–] jondav2006 7 years ago

Fully agree with your analysis. I found the story hard to believe due to exactly these reasons.

One more point, which didn't make much sense, was how easily could Brandon pick up random women for a quickie (think only one was shown in the movie -- the one where he gets a lift after leaving the bar). In reality, sex addicts are known to be pretty reclusive and have troubles bonding with others especially women.