Nymphomaniac (Vol. I & II) Review (2 Viewers)

[Yavin]

But perhaps what's most surprising about the film is just how accessible it proves to be (its subject matter and running time notwithstanding) — and bizarrely enough, it may even be von Trier's most accessible (though certainly not his most commercial) film to date. This is really a testament to the sexual ferocity and emotional fragility that Martin brings forth in her sublime performance. Because even though she plays the role of young Joe with a certain degree of emotional indifference, there's also an unquantifiable likeability about her portrayal, making it easy to empathize with her character. It's much different from the energy that Gainsbourg brings to the screen, and it makes Martin's presence sorely missed when she transitions out of the role.Nevertheless, audiences will find it easy to connect with the story via its many moments of levity, and via the relationships that Joe forms throughout — from her loving relationship with her father (played by Christian Slater) to her rapport with Seligman, which grows over the course of her narrative (but which turns out to be the film's cruelest joke). Otherwise, most of the humor comes from Seligman's amusing anecdotes, comparing aspects of Joe's sex life to more mundane things like fly fishing and Fibonacci numbers. But von Trier also maintains a sense of self-deprecating humor throughout, especially noticeable at times when Joe's storytelling weaves in abstract imagery, which is usually followed by an immediate interjection on Seligman's part (either objecting to its absurdity or expressing bewilderment at its inclusion). Of course, the writer/director hasn't abandoned the art house aesthetic entirely, as the films' chapters are laden with allegorical imagery, philosophical musings and recurrent themes — all perhaps serving a higher purpose as part of his commentary on gender inequality. What it all boils down to is that, despite the usual trappings of a von Trier film, there's a lot to chew on in Joe's story that will resonate with audiences.

4 out of 5.

I was quite pleasantly surprised by this. Even at four hours, it wasn't difficult to sit through. More in my full review, including a discussion of the film's more ... um, graphic aspects.

 

[SamT]

Of his movies I liked Melancholia.

I heard they were going to use porn actors and superimpose the actors' faces on them. What about that? False?

 

[schan1269]

Shia is au naturel. (watch the Sigur Ros video...)

Charlotte..like she has anything to hide.

The girl in the beginning...she dropped kit before this.

I doubt any body doubles were used.

Whoever thinks this is "graphic" hasn't seen ShortBus, Ken Park, 9 Songs, Secretary...and how many others?

 

[Michael Elliott]

I wasn't as good as ANTICHRIST or MELANCHOLIA but I still enjoyed the picture. I'm only going *** (out of 4) because I found there to be many flaws including the fact that I really wasn't sure what the point was. Of this trilogy, I thought ANTICHRIST was the best because it made you think about the characters, their actions and everything that was going on. It gave you something to debate. I don't think there's much of that in this picture and after a while it just seems like von Trier wanted to show some sex, violence, dicks and vaginas. What pornographic scenes were here really weren't all that shocking but then again, I watch a fairly wide range of films. With that said, it's easy to see why no one is going to see this picture.

I thought the performances were pretty good for the most part. Gainsbourg and Skarsgard are extremely good and the film needed talents like them because of all the dialogue scenes. These moments needed to be just as captivating as the "graphic" stuff or else it would have felt uneven. Christian Slater was okay in the picture but why didn't he ever age? Uma Thurman was very memorable in her brief role. As for Shia, give the guy a break. He gave up $20-million to do films like this so I can respect that. Was the performance Oscar-worthy? No but it wasn't bad either.

I watched both volumes together with just a ten-minute intermission between them. Did it need to be four hours long? Probably not as there are many moments where you feel it dragging on. With that said, had it just been two or three-hours then it wouldn't have been the epic it currently is. I know a longer cut is supposed to be coming and I guess it's going to be even more graphic.

 

[Michael Elliott]

Of his movies I liked Melancholia.

I heard they were going to use porn actors and superimpose the actors' faces on them. What about that? False?

Before the film was made Shia said that they were going to film real sex scenes. Apparently this idea was scratched.

I guess we'll see when the "uncut" 5-hour version is released. There's some hardcore footage here but the extremely graphic stuff hasn't been seen yet.

 

[SamT]

Before the film was made Shia said that they were going to film real sex scenes. Apparently this idea was scratched.

I guess we'll see when the "uncut" 5-hour version is released. There's some hardcore footage here but the extremely graphic stuff hasn't been seen yet.

Oh ok so it's not released yet. I'm wondering how it is going to be and if the actors accepted it. It would be a first since Caligula. I mean not even a first since Caligula, because as long as I remember the actors didn't know it for that film and never agreed.

 

[mattCR]

Oh ok so it's not released yet. I'm wondering how it is going to be and if the actors accepted it. It would be a first since Caligula. I mean not even a first since Caligula, because as long as I remember the actors didn't know it for that film and never agreed.

Short Bus, a film a few years ago, and 9 Songs, I think both had 'real' sex scenes. Blue is the Warmest Color also.

Lars von Trier's work is very rough for me. I enjoyed Melancholia and think it is fantastically well shot, but Nymphomaniac never really hits that bar. The scenes are too stilted and the narrative just kind of.. lays there. It's OK. But it doesn't have the kind of energy of much better works. I'd give it a C.

 

[schan1269]

9 Songs and ShortBus were both real.

Ken Park...only two scenes were. The rest were camera angle.

Young Adam had one real one (Emily and Ewan at the dock...they were "involved"-ish at the time)

Pillow Book. Supposedly Vivian told Ewan he could...only cause of the "other stuff" going on made sex a moot point.

Blue is the Warmest Color was all simulated. Yes there was contact...but it was merkin contact.

 

[SamT]

Just watched 9 Songs and it was real bad! Exactly like porn, no story and only sex scenes except it didn't have the good stuff!

Their real stuff felt simulated!

 

[Aaron Silverman]

Here's a. . .different take on this film. (I haven't read much of it since I haven't seen the movies yet, but it seemed bizarre enough to be worth sharing. )

Lars von Trier’s ‘Nymphomaniac’ Isn’t Porn. It’s a Defense of Jewish Theology.
Ignore all of that grinding of genitalia; the brilliant film is really an elaborate and hilarious response to St. Paul

http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/167406/lars-von-trier-nymphomaniac