Nymphomaniac: Vol. I and II have since developed a strong following, often being described as cult films. However, many viewers still suggest that others should ‘watch it alone’ due to the constant presence of explicit content throughout both parts.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, who plays the central character, spoke to Vanity Fair in 2014 about what it was like to take on such a demanding role. She explained that the physical and emotional aspects of the scenes were not easy to deal with.
She revealed: “I think, just in regards to the sexual things, the fellatio was hardest.”
She also clarified that the scenes were not filmed in the way some might assume. According to her, the explicit moments were not performed directly with another actor, as adult performers were used as body doubles for certain parts.
Other cast members also shared their thoughts about working on the film. Interestingly, some suggested that the female actors may have had a slightly easier experience compared to others involved.
Stellan Skarsgård, who has worked closely with Von Trier on multiple projects, said that actresses often enjoy working with the director because of how he writes female roles. He suggested that the depth of those characters made the experience worthwhile.
However, Gainsbourg noted that things became more difficult when she had to step outside the controlled environment of filming. This was especially true during promotional work for the movie.
She described having to take part in a photoshoot for the film’s posters, which included the tagline ‘show us your “O” face’. While she felt comfortable working with Von Trier, the same level of trust did not carry over when working with others on set.
Even with the physical demands of the role, both Gainsbourg and Skarsgård pointed out that the biggest challenge was not the scenes themselves. Instead, it was the complexity and length of the script that made things harder. Skarsgård explained that Von Trier is known for writing strong roles for women. He had been told that this time, his role would stand out as well, which raised expectations going into the project.
“Me and Charlotte had about 90 pages of text,” Skarsgård said. “It’s so much dialogue, it was really hard.”
Other movies where actors have actual unsimulated sex in them
While many films rely on camera tricks and editing to suggest intimacy, some projects go further and include scenes that are not simulated. These choices often lead to strong reactions from audiences and critics alike.
Antichrist (2009)
Antichrist, starring Willem Dafoe and Charlotte Gainsbourg, follows a couple dealing with intense emotional struggles. Their relationship takes a darker turn when they retreat to a cabin and begin to engage in disturbing behavior.
The film explores themes connected to religion and grief, and it includes scenes that are difficult to watch. Body doubles were used for certain moments, including scenes set around a dead tree with exposed roots, which added to the unsettling atmosphere.
The Brown Bunny (2003)
The Brown Bunny was written, directed, and starred in by Vincent Gallo. The film also featured Chloë Sevigny in a role that gained attention due to one particular scene.
That scene, which shows Sevigny’s character performing unsimulated oral sex, caused a strong reaction when the film was released. It became one of the most talked-about aspects of the movie.
Speaking to Playboy in 2001, Sevigny described the experience and said it brought out a range of emotions. She added: “I’ll probably have to go to therapy at some point.”
Love (2015)
Love, directed by Gaspar Noé, tells the story of a couple who bring a third person into their relationship. What begins as an experiment later leads to emotional consequences that they struggle to deal with. The film stars Aomi Muyock, Karl Glusman, and Klara Kristin, and follows how their dynamic changes over time. As the story develops, one character is left in a relationship that lacks emotional connection.The film includes several explicit scenes that many viewers found shocking, including one moment that stands out due to its graphic nature.
9 Songs (2004)
9 Songs features Kieran O’Brien and Margo Stilley and includes multiple explicit scenes throughout the film. The project received strong reactions, both positive and negative, after its release.
Stilley later addressed the criticism the film faced. Speaking to LADbible, she said: “It’s a shame that it’s been torn apart into these little pieces and bastardised online, to be honest.”
Intimacy (2001)
In Intimacy, released in 2001, actors Mark Rylance and Kerry Fox take part in an unsimulated scene that drew attention at the time. The film focuses on a relationship built around physical connection rather than emotional closeness.
He explained: “I was convinced it was a vital story about the difficulties people face finding intimacy in a big city like London.”
“Hanif Kureishi’s writing couldn’t have been more intimate and revealing, but I found the making of the film and the subsequent publicity and personal attacks very, very painful. I wish I hadn’t made it.”
