About Nymphomaniac Volume I - Extended Director's Cut

The movie, Nymphomaniac Volume I - Extended Director's Cut, is a 2014 European art film written and directed by the iconic filmmaker Lars von Trier. It is an exploration of the life of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac - Joe, played by Charlotte Gainsbourg. She reflects on her erotic journey from birth to the age of fifty elaborately to an old, charming bachelor, Seligman. The story unearths various aspects of sexuality, morality, and self-discovery.

Making / Production

Nymphomaniac Volume I - Extended Director's Cut is meticulously constructed by Trier with an aesthetic consciousness that combines with his dark and daring storytelling approach. The film witnessed the use of digital cinematographic techniques and was divided into eight chapters, including the Prologue and Epilogue to achieve a high level of artistic synchronicity and philosophical engagement.

Actors

• Charlotte Gainsbourg as Joe: The leading lady carried the film on her shoulders with dedication and sincerity. Her character's continuous struggle and pursuit to explore her desires were powerfully portrayed.
• Stellan Skarsgård as Seligman: The Swedish actor won over audiences with his portrayal of an intellectual loner who listens to Joe’s story.
• Stacy Martin as young Joe: She successfully embodied the youthful and curious facet of Joe's character and contributed to the narrative substantially.
• Shia LaBeouf as Jerôme: LaBeouf's character is Joe's love interest, wherein his acting prowess is showcased through a varied range of emotions.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is divided into two volumes to depict different stages of the protagonist Joe's life.
• Lars von Trier, who suffers from depression, wrote the script as a form of therapy.
• Shia LaBeouf reportedly sent tapes of himself and his then-girlfriend having sex to Lars von Trier to get the part in the film.

Awards

Although Nymphomaniac didn't receive any major accolades, its unorthodox narrative technique and brave storytelling brought a lot of critical appreciation for von Trier and his cast.

Quotes

• "Perhaps the only difference between me and other people is that I've always demanded more from the sunset. More spectacular colors when the sun hit the horizon. That's perhaps my only sin."
• "Love is just lust with jealousy added."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Fidelio: O Welche Lust" - Beethoven
• "Lowly Deserter" - Glen Hansard
• "Conditional Bach Numbers" - Joachim Holbek