Give Shortbus credit: writer/director John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) might be the first filmmaker to figure out how to treat hardcore sex so casually that it fits organically into the narrative. For example, there’s the scene where a trio of young gay men go through their X-rated acrobatics while, in character, having a credible conversation. Just as often the sex becomes too damned important, as when a perhaps straight woman who’s never had an orgasm and a young gay man afraid to be anally penetrated obsess about their hang-ups. Audiences will divide over this movie depending on how they feel about the title New York sex club where, amid the non-stop orgies, visitors are invited to shed their inhibitions. Is Shortbus a sexual utopia? Or with its gay and lesbian and cross-dressing revelers is it as boring as a hetero frat bash? Mitchell takes the former position; some numbed viewers will have the latter reaction, whatever their sexuality.

On the web
Shortbus's Web site: //www.shortbusthemovie.com/

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