FAQ

According Justin Bond's 'character' in the movie, Shortbus is for folks who aren't destined for the 'big yellow bus' of sexuality. The first time I saw the movie, I thought it was a putdown. But upon closer inspection, I believe it simply means that the salon isn't for those folks who find the world of sexuality and relationships and intimacy 'simple.' They need support and the interaction with other folks who find it more difficult so they don't feel so alone in their search.

Think about this. There are only four basic 'appetites' according to the venerable 'Dr. Oz' of Oprah fame: Food, water, sleep and sex.

I know there are many folks who don't like sex mixed into their entertainment. They think it is dirty. Those folks don't have to go (though I believe they could use the messages included). But let's clear this up, the sex in this movie is not erotic. Far from it. It is like the musical numbers in a really good musical.

In a bad musical, the movie stops during the musical numbers. In a good one, the musical numbers actually push the plot along. I can assure you, the sex in this movie IS the plot.

Sex is the glue that binds these folks together. Weather they're singing or doing positively acrobatic moves right out of the Karma Sutra, they are endeavoring (and in some cases failing) to connect.

Another odd synchronicity about the film is that nearly all the principal sexual contact is laced with dialogue; and usually not the 'Oh, yeah.' type. The extended and complex sequence at the beginning of the film showing one couple's furious coitus, interlaced with another character's self-pleasuring, is the only one that seems to dip into this pornspeak. But by the time you reach the end of the film, you realize how ironic/iconic those images are.

So it may get a few folks to show up because they want to see 'real' sex but they'll be disappointed if they thought this was porn. Porn it is not. Porn tries to titillate, this movie only tries to stimulate your thoughts and feelings, not your libido.