Nymphomaniac: Vol. II is the second part of Lars von Trier’s provocative and controversial drama, following the journey of a self-diagnosed nymphomaniac named Joe. This film delves deeper into her darker, more complex desires, exploring themes of guilt, self-destruction, and existential philosophy.
Detailed Summary
Introduction: Picking Up Where Vol. I Left Off
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II opens right after the ending of Vol. I, with Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) continuing to narrate her life story to Seligman (Stellan Skarsgård) after he found her beaten in an alley. The first volume dealt largely with Joe’s sexual awakenings and youthful experimentation, but this second part takes a much darker turn, focusing on the consequences of her behavior as an adult.
Joe’s Loss of Pleasure
As Joe becomes more reckless, she finds herself losing the ability to experience pleasure through normal sexual activities. Desperate to regain her sensations, she begins seeking out more extreme and dangerous forms of sexual gratification. This is where the film explores sadomasochism and more violent sexual encounters.
Joe’s relationship with her long-time lover Jerome (Shia LaBeouf) deteriorates as she becomes involved in more taboo activities, including being mentored by a sadist named K (played by Jamie Bell). This brutal and emotionally draining period in Joe’s life is portrayed with intense scenes that challenge the viewer’s endurance.
Joe’s Struggles with Motherhood
Joe’s new lifestyle causes tension in her role as a mother. She feels disconnected from her son and struggles to balance her extreme sexual needs with the responsibilities of motherhood. Eventually, Joe makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave her child, acknowledging that her desires have overtaken her ability to care for him.
The Criminal Underworld and Joe’s Decline
After distancing herself from her family, Joe spirals into the criminal underworld. She takes up debt collection as a means of making money, often using her sexuality to manipulate and intimidate those who owe money. This leads to violent and dangerous confrontations, with Joe further losing touch with herself and her humanity.
One of the key relationships in this phase is with P (Mia Goth), a young woman Joe takes under her wing. Their dynamic becomes a mixture of mentorship, maternal care, and sexual tension. As Joe reaches new lows, Seligman interrupts the narrative with philosophical discussions, offering his often detached, academic perspective on her actions.
Climactic Confrontation with Jerome
In the film’s final act, Joe attempts to confront Jerome, who has now entered into a relationship with her protégé, P. This encounter ends in tragedy, where Joe’s emotions and past actions converge in a shocking climax. Her attempt to take control of her life results in further devastation, leaving Joe in an even more desperate position.
Movie Ending
After Joe finishes recounting her story, Seligman, who has been a calm and seemingly non-judgmental listener throughout the film, reveals his true intentions. He attempts to sexually assault Joe, believing that her openness about her desires means she would welcome his advances. Joe, however, reacts violently, shooting him in self-defense.
This sudden, brutal ending exposes the underlying hypocrisy of Seligman, who had appeared to be a dispassionate intellectual, but ultimately proves himself to be no different from the other men in Joe’s life. The film leaves the audience with this unsettling conclusion, offering no redemption or resolution for either character.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Nymphomaniac: Vol. II does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends on a bleak and definitive note with the final confrontation between Joe and Seligman, and the credits roll without any additional footage or hidden scenes.
Type of Movie
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II is a psychological drama that blends elements of eroticism, dark comedy, and tragedy. It’s an unflinching exploration of human sexuality, addiction, and self-destruction, characteristic of Lars von Trier’s provocative filmmaking style.
Cast
- Charlotte Gainsbourg as Joe
- Stellan Skarsgård as Seligman
- Shia LaBeouf as Jerome
- Jamie Bell as K
- Willem Dafoe as L (Joe’s employer)
- Mia Goth as P
- Jean-Marc Barr as the Debtor Gentleman
Film Music and Composer
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II features a wide range of music, from classical pieces to pop and rock. Notably, the film uses Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ” in several key moments. The score enhances the emotional intensity and bleakness of the film, heightening the feeling of Joe’s psychological collapse.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed in Cologne, Germany, as well as in Belgium and Denmark. These European settings give the film a cold, austere atmosphere, which complements the bleak and nihilistic themes of Joe’s life story.
Awards and Nominations
While Nymphomaniac: Vol. II did not win major awards, it was part of several festival circuits and received attention for its boldness. Charlotte Gainsbourg received praise for her unflinching performance, but the film’s extreme content made it divisive among critics.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Lars von Trier insisted that his actors perform many intense and uncomfortable scenes with a high level of realism, though body doubles and visual effects were used for explicit shots.
- Charlotte Gainsbourg admitted that her role as Joe was one of the most challenging of her career due to the emotional and physical demands of the part.
- Jamie Bell’s character, K, involved extremely difficult scenes involving sadomasochism, which were meticulously choreographed to ensure the actors’ safety.
Inspirations and References
- Lars von Trier has stated that his own struggles with depression and existential doubt influenced the dark, introspective tone of the film.
- The structure of the movie, with its discussions on sex, religion, and philosophy, is inspired by literary works, particularly Fyodor Dostoevsky’s exploration of guilt and morality.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no confirmed alternate endings, but some scenes were trimmed from the final cut due to the graphic nature of the film. A longer, uncut version of the film was released, which contains more explicit content, especially in the scenes involving Joe’s interactions with K and her sexual explorations.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Nymphomaniac is not based on a book, but it takes inspiration from classical literature and psychoanalytic texts. The film’s dense dialogue is often reminiscent of philosophical treatises, with discussions on existentialism and sexuality woven throughout.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Joe’s sessions with K, which involve intense, sadomasochistic activities, mark a turning point in her self-destructive behavior.
- The final confrontation between Joe and Jerome, which ultimately leads to her complete emotional breakdown.
- The shocking final scene where Seligman attempts to assault Joe after hearing her entire story.
Iconic Quotes
- Joe: “I’ve always demanded more from the sunset—more spectacular colors when the sun hit the horizon. That’s perhaps my only sin.”
- Seligman: “You’ve obviously been through hell. And yet you’re so full of life.”
- Joe: “I am a nymphomaniac and I love it.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Nods to von Trier’s Previous Work: Certain elements, like the philosophical conversations, echo themes explored in von Trier’s other films like Melancholia and Antichrist.
- Symbolism of the Number Three: The number three recurs in the film, representing the tripartite nature of Joe’s journey—sexual discovery, degradation, and despair.
Trivia
- The full-length version of Nymphomaniac is around five and a half hours long, split into two volumes. The final cut was significantly shortened for most theatrical releases.
- Despite the film’s intense sexual content, von Trier said that the film is ultimately about power dynamics and control, rather than sex itself.
- Lars von Trier took a vow of silence during the promotion of the movie, leaving his actors to explain the often-controversial content.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy provocative films that explore the darker sides of human nature, Nymphomaniac: Vol. II is a must-watch. Lars von Trier’s fearless direction, along with Charlotte Gainsbourg’s powerful performance, makes this film a raw and emotionally intense experience.
Director’s Other Movies
- Melancholia (2011)
- Antichrist (2009)
- Dogville (2003)
- Dancer in the Dark (2000)
- Breaking the Waves (1996)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Shame (2011) by Steve McQueen
- Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
- Antichrist (2009)
- Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
- The Piano Teacher (2001)
