Nymph()maniac, if I've to describe in a single sentence, is director Lars von Trier trying to sell his bland & banal softcore as a work of art. Divided into 2 volumes, Nymph()maniac is the final chapter in what is now being labeled as Depression Trilogy (preceded by Antichrist & Melancholia) and tells the story of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac named Joe recounting her life's sexual experiences to Seligman; the man who found her badly-beaten up in some deserted alley plus who later tries to connect & analyse her stories with whatever he has read about.
Volume 1 is further divided into 5 chapters, each picking its name from the things present in Seligman's room and tells the sexual escapades Joe has been on since infancy to her present age. Lars von Trier loves shocking his audience & here he relies on one after another repeated sexual encounters of Joe that are explicit, as expected, for shock value but are also hollow & devoid of feelings completely. And thanks to its lethargic pace, the movie feels far more longer than what its runtime suggests as the story is boring despite being full of strong sexual contents.
Still, not everything about it sucks though. The performances by its ensemble cast might just be the reason why I was able to sit through this story from start to finish. Stacy Martin is a real discovery here who delivers a seductive, enticing & sensational debut performance as young version of Joe. But the one who impressed me most is Uma Thurman who truly stole the show in her short appearance. Also, amongst the 5 chapters, the 4th chapter 'Delirium' is the only one where an effort to connect with the audience is actually felt.
On an overall scale, the 1st volume of Nymph()maniac boasts few moments that manages to work in its favour but for the most part, it's an insipid journey that leaves you more frustrated than satisfied, thanks to its lazy direction, lifeless script, sluggish pace, dull photography, monotonous sex scenes, terrible editing, fragmented use of music & unnecessary stuffing of pretentious philosophical bullshit. And I've a strong feeling that Volume 2 will be no different.
Full review at: cinemaclown.wordpress.com
Volume 1 is further divided into 5 chapters, each picking its name from the things present in Seligman's room and tells the sexual escapades Joe has been on since infancy to her present age. Lars von Trier loves shocking his audience & here he relies on one after another repeated sexual encounters of Joe that are explicit, as expected, for shock value but are also hollow & devoid of feelings completely. And thanks to its lethargic pace, the movie feels far more longer than what its runtime suggests as the story is boring despite being full of strong sexual contents.
Still, not everything about it sucks though. The performances by its ensemble cast might just be the reason why I was able to sit through this story from start to finish. Stacy Martin is a real discovery here who delivers a seductive, enticing & sensational debut performance as young version of Joe. But the one who impressed me most is Uma Thurman who truly stole the show in her short appearance. Also, amongst the 5 chapters, the 4th chapter 'Delirium' is the only one where an effort to connect with the audience is actually felt.
On an overall scale, the 1st volume of Nymph()maniac boasts few moments that manages to work in its favour but for the most part, it's an insipid journey that leaves you more frustrated than satisfied, thanks to its lazy direction, lifeless script, sluggish pace, dull photography, monotonous sex scenes, terrible editing, fragmented use of music & unnecessary stuffing of pretentious philosophical bullshit. And I've a strong feeling that Volume 2 will be no different.
Full review at: cinemaclown.wordpress.com