Review of Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013) by Prodigy2014 — 28 May 2014

Lars Von Trier, who’s no stranger to controversy, paints his final portrait (well the first part of it) in his “Depression Trilogy”. “Nymphomaniac” as the name “suggests” follows a proudly self diagnose nymphomaniac named Joe and her defining erotic experiences while growing up.

These experiences are recounted by an Older Joe (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg), who tell her tale to an old, seemingly saintly man, played by Stellan Skarsgard, who sees her raunchy sex stories as a metaphor for the peaceful act of fishing.

The episodes are told in typically artsy fashion, as that’s the only way Von Trier seems to know how to tell a story; but who can bark insults when the story is being well told. What’s particularly Interesting was how the film manages to maintain an unusually sharp sense of humor, despite the dark setting and subject matter which it delves in.

That confrontation with Uma Thurman’s distressed wife of a cheating family man was particularly delightful… in a weird way. Anyway, I will keep this review short and spicy, as there’s more to discuss in part 2.

As it stands, I quite liked this film, and was probably most impressed with Stacy Martin’s brave performance as Young Joe. With all that was built up in this film, I am actually eager to see part two.