Nymphomaniac (film)

Nymphomaniac Vol. I & II

Nymphomaniac is a 2013 art film written and directed by Lars von Trier. The film stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Connie Nielsen, and Willem Dafoe. It is the third and final installment in von Trier's unofficially titled "Depression Trilogy", following Antichrist (2009) and Melancholia (2011).

Plot

The film is divided into two volumes and follows the story of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac, Joe (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg and Stacy Martin), who recounts her erotic experiences to a man named Seligman (played by Stellan Skarsgård) after he finds her beaten in an alley.

Volume I

Volume I introduces Joe as a young girl and follows her sexual awakening and exploits. It covers her relationships with various men, including her first lover, Jerome (played by Shia LaBeouf). The narrative is interspersed with philosophical and literary digressions by Seligman.

Volume II

Volume II continues Joe's story into adulthood, exploring her increasingly destructive behavior and the consequences of her nymphomania. The film delves into darker themes, including sadomasochism and Joe's struggle with her identity and desires.

Cast

• Charlotte Gainsbourg as Joe (adult)
• Stacy Martin as Joe (young)
• Stellan Skarsgård as Seligman
• Shia LaBeouf as Jerome
• Christian Slater as Joe's father
• Jamie Bell as K
• Uma Thurman as Mrs. H
• Sophie Kennedy Clark as B
• Connie Nielsen as Joe's mother
• Willem Dafoe as L

Production

Nymphomaniac was produced by Zentropa and co-produced by Slot Machine and Caviar. The film was shot in Germany and Belgium. It was released in two versions: an abridged version and an uncut version, the latter of which contains more explicit sexual content.

Reception

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its ambition, performances, and von Trier's direction. However, it also sparked controversy due to its explicit content and themes.

Themes

Nymphomaniac explores themes of sexuality, identity, guilt, and redemption. It also examines the nature of storytelling and the relationship between the storyteller and the listener.