Shame': Michael Fassbender shows why he's everyone's new crush

November 10, 2011 | 10:16 pm

Shame-premiere

C'mon, kids, despite the NC-17, there's nothing to be ashamed of here -- and that's the attitude Michael Fassbender and associates adopted Wednesday at the AFI Fest premiere screening of "Shame."

The spicy rating "can be an all right thing," Fassbender told The Times on the red carpet in Hollywood. "It can stimulate curiosity for sure."

PHOTOS: "Shame" premiere at AFI Fest

"I think it's unusual that a lot of violent films seem to pass through the system easily enough. But whenever you sort of try to question or deal with sex, it becomes something that's dirty or not to be watched -- so I find that to be confusing."

Just don't confuse this movie as one to see if you want to ogle naked people. "You're wasting your money," director Steve McQueen said on the red carpet.

Cast members on hand included Fassbender, James Badge Dale, Elizabeth Masucci and Nicole Beharie. Also spotted? Richard Chamberlain, Sally Kellerman, Steve Railsback and wild card Mia Wasikowska, who stuck close to an agent-type at the after-party.

Fassbender (everyone's new crush) was the man of the hour at the "Shame" party, which was held in the Blossom Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Forget the typical Hollywood drop-by-and-bolt -- he stayed and shook practically everyone's hand.

The movie opens Dec. 2.