Flash back to 1979 - Penthouse Publisher Bob Guccione attempts to blend real sex with drama in the epic historical disaster Caligula. Now, in 2006, John Cameron-Mitchell's Shortbus is a film that tackles the issues of sexuality and relationships head-on, with nearly every actor in the movie taking part in a sexual act that isn't simulated. Is it porn? I'm going to say no, but there will be others that disagree. After all, sex is a major, intricate part of real life and Shortbus doesn't want you to forget it.

Sofia, a couples therapist, has a major problem that is plaguing her everyday life, as her internal noise interferes with her job and how she functions as a human being. What's Sofia's diagnosis? She can't have an orgasm. The reality that her husband can't give her an orgasm keeps her from being open about the problem.

Jamie and Jamie (or James, as he changes it to accommodate their situation) are looking to possibly add another person into their relationship. A threesome, yes. Jamie is in love with James, and James is in love with Jamie. But James has issues with his past that haunt him so much that he is filming a personal movie... what it's for? you'll have to see for yourself.

Finally, the dominatrix named Severin, the seemingly simple single female, compared to the Jamies and Sofia, just wants a relationship. She possibly hasn't had a single one ever in her life, and would like a connection to another person, which doesn't have to be sexual, but should be deep and involving.

So where do these four conflicted souls meet to work their lives out? None other than Shortbus, the orgy/brothel/sanctuary/salon with a conscious thought process and much awareness to so-called sexual "dysfunctions," giving pleasure to those who need it, either with others or with others watching. Nobody at Shortbus rides the big yellow Schoolbus, and the palace opens itself to them, giving their pain and needs a home to feel what they want and do as they please.

The film Shortbus is not afraid of the problems that hamper the main and supporting characters. In a day and age where movies can be edited for content, Mitchell's film wants to rip the rug off the stain on the floor and expose the open wound of not only these people, but for their New York City. The love note that the film gives to these oppressed feelings and the undeveloped ground-zero leaves both with nothing but respect, and exposure that is anything but judgmental. You will not find a stereotypical gay couple or a frigid married female or a slutty S&M goddess. Too often perception puts on the blinders and prevents the reality to be brought out in front of us on film- and that's the beauty of this movie. Often these are not actors playing people with problems, but actors putting a face to what we chose not to face in others and ourselves. While not all of us have issues with our sexuality or in the act of sex or just with other people- are we so sure of it? Can we look inside our core, accept who we are and face the issue without degrading ourselves?

While it is not a perfect film, Shortbus is a revelation. Again, it is not pornography, but Mitchell's seamless placement of sexuality and drama is stellar. This could possibly be one of the most important films of the year, if not the decade. And it most likely will not be able to be seen by those who should. So thank goodness for DVD. Put "Shortbus" on your "To-do" list... no pun intended.

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