(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Carey Mulligan would rather go nude than sing.

The 26-year-old British actress plays Sissy in upcoming film Shame. The sensuous movie follows the intense sexual exploits of two New York City siblings.

Although Carey goes au naturel in some scenes in Shame, the star does not consider baring her body the biggest challenge of the shoot.

"It's scarier to sing than to do nudity," Carey told People magazine at the Hollywood Film Awards this week. "Singing is like really exposing yourself. I was playing sort of a singer, so I was pretending to have a talent I don't necessarily believe I have. So singing was quite scary."

Taking off her clothes was necessary to portray Carey's character accurately. Carey was not particularly planning on ever becoming stark naked in front of the camera, but welcomed the experience in this film.

"I've never felt it was appropriate with any other characters I've played so I've never done it. And I've never enjoyed the prospect of it either," Carey explained.

"But it's so [Sissy]. It was so exactly who she is, so it felt right."

Shame is for adults only. Carey admires director Steve McQueen for courageously tackling the provocative subject.

"It's a film for grown-ups," Carey said. "Steve doesn't really make sort of family films. He wanted to make a film about real people and talk about things people don't like to talk about and that make them feel uncomfortable. I congratulate him for it."

Shame will be released in the UK in January 2012. (C) Cover Media