Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013)

Genre

Drama

Director 

Lars von Trier

Country 

Denmark | Germany | Belgium | UK | France | Sweden

Cast 

Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Willem Dafoe, Mia Goth, Sophie Kennedy Clark, Michaël Pas, Jean-Marc Barr, Udo Kier, Ananya Berg, Morgan Harley, Shanti Roney, Laura Christensen, Caroline Goodall, Kate Ashfield, Tania Carlin, Daniela Lebang, Omar Shargawi, Marcus Jakovljevic, Severin von Hoensbroech

Plot

The continuation of Joe's (Charlotte Gainsbourg) sexually dictated life delves into the darker aspects of her adulthood, obsessions and what led to her being in Seligman's care.

Opinion

If you've read my review of Nymphomaniac: Vol. I, then you know I really enjoyed it, but I can't say quite the same about this one.

Nymphomaniac: Vol. II is still brave and provoking, but more raw and violent - the poetic and philosophical aspects are almost abandoned - and not deep enough. However, Lars von Trier successfully managed to capture how unromantic sex can be.

The film doesn't really have any highlights, the storyline has a complete different turn and, at some points, the film is a little boring. There are some unnecessary scenes - the two Africans arguing while the camera repeatedly dips below the waistline and displays the men's erections - and the ending was really disappointing. Furthermore, there is a thing I didn't understand: why did P, played by Mia Goth, turn on Joe?

And now comes the best part of the film: the performances. Charlotte Gainsbourg - which has a more important role than she had in Vol. I - is astonishing. She delivers a first class performance. Stellan Skarsgård is excellent. Jamie Bell is mesmerizing. Willem Dafoe gives a great performance as always, but his character didn't add anything to the story.

Vol. I is the highlight of the story, so if you think you can't handle both, go with that one. 

Quotes

Joe: The human qualities can be expressed in one word: hypocrisy.

Joe: We elevate those who say right but mean wrong, and mock those who say wrong but mean right.

Rating

6.5/10