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

Short reaction to that scintillating headline: No chance! However, these two films have an overabundance to keep than you might initially think -- and not since they both vary from same studio (Fox Searchlight). Ahead, five reasons the Steve McQueen-directed sex-addiction drama 'Shame' might be the 'Black Swan' in the 2011 gaggle. 1. Outstanding lead performances in not-so-outstanding movies As honours season drawn on within the finish of 2010 and into this year, the thrill on 'Black Swan' went from instant classic to camping classic. The Darren Aronofsky-directed film -- specially the cuckoo bananas third act -- was more arch and hysterical than most honours-bait, this despite a committed performance from Natalie Portman, who made an appearance to improve in regards to the fray although wallowing in 'Black Swan's' ridiculousness. 'Shame' isn't as silly as 'Black Swan' -- quite contrary, it's so ... damn ... serious -- but it's similarly problematic. As Brandon, the sex addicted NYer at 'Shame's' center, Michael Fassbender is completely brilliant, nevertheless the film somewhat enables him lower after some a lot of repetition together with a not-as-shocking-as-it-wants-to-be third act. There's a great just like 'Shame,' but it's a hard movie to love. 2. Same-sex make-out periods No less than part of the reason 'Black Swan' made $329 million worldwide? That hug between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis! 'Shame' features a similarly bracing same-sex liplock (it's a spoiler, so you're going to get no more than that), though taking into consideration the participants as well as the film's NC-17 rating, it's doubtful that will help the conclusion. 3. NY City subways fresh from 'Warriors' Pet peeve time: NY City subways forget about appear like they did in 'The Gamers,' plastered with graffiti. Which is why movies like 'Shame' and 'Black Swan' (and television shows like '2 Broke Girls') so infuriating. When Brandon is riding the subway, of the question behind him is incorporated with scribble (see above). As someone who takes that train line virtually every day (it's the N and R line), I am in a position to attest it's not as untidy. This isn't 1981, 'Shame'! Seriously now. 4. Rising ingenues playing second-fiddle In 'Black Swan,' Mila Kunis never really can get an chance to shine with Portman consuming the spotlight in 'Shame,' Carey Mulligan is labored the same hands, though she includes one show-stopping moment: a downcast version of "NY, NY" that breaks Brandon's heart, and many likely yours too. 5. Addiction Clearly and many types of, but nevertheless: 'Shame' is all about sex addiction and the way it might eat away inside a person's soul. 'Black Swan' is about a dependancy perfectly, one compounded because Portman's Nina is certifiably crazy. (Still, nobody cuts their fingernails like Nina unless of course obviously they have a-rooted perfectionist issues.) Possibly she and Brandon can make a great couple -- whether or not this wasn't for the annoying mortal wound within the finish of 'Black Swan.' [Photo: Fox Searchlight] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook