ancient erotic texts

His films like 'Salò' and 'Canterbury Tales' directly adapted classical texts with explicit sexual content, exploring power dynamics and human desire through literary sources.

His work, particularly 'In the Realm of the Senses,' engaged with erotic desire and classical Japanese sensibilities, pushing boundaries in depicting physical intimacy.

His films including 'Antichrist' and 'Nymphomaniac' explicitly examine sexuality and desire through philosophical frameworks inspired by classical and literary traditions.