Why I’m rooting for Steve McQueen at the Oscars.

One of the most important part of a story is if it sticks with me after a reading or viewing. Whether it moved me to tears, brought a smile to my face or just made me incredibly uncomfortable, the “after” effect is what I really look for.

Steve McQueen’s films definitely have the latter effect on me. Hunger and Shame are two of the most uncomfortable movies I’ve ever seen. They drew me into the world of characters so different from me, but McQueen’s refusal to look away or sugar-coat their realities created an incredibly human experience – and I could not shake those brutal realities even after the credits started to roll. Beyond that, the film’s questions were left unanswered at the end, leaving it open to the viewer’s interpretation. Read the rest of this entry »