Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus'

2007·31'

M. Sean Kaminsky

Documentary

★ 6.5

Letterboxd TMDB #437551

A look at the unusual process used in the making of the film Shortbus (2006) featuring interviews, behind the scenes footage and clips from the feature film. Director John Cameron Mitchell starts with the concept of using real sex in a film with a positive message. The cast of unknowns is selected from homemade audition tapes and then a callback audition workshop. More acting workshops are used to develop the characters and script. The project overcomes a number of obstacles and the rest of the film's development is followed up until its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cast

Raphael Barker Rob

Lindsay Beamish Severin

Justin Vivian Bond Himself

Jay Brannan Ceth

Jonathan Caouette Himself

Shanti Carson Leah

Miek Coccia Himself

Paul Dawson James / Himself

PJ DeBoy Jamie

Howard Gertler Himself

Maya Hardinge Herself

Timothy Heber Himself