archaeological desecration

His films consistently explore humanity's compulsion to disturb ancient sites and forbidden places, from Cave of Forgotten Dreams examining prehistoric caves to Aguirre examining colonial plunder.

His work interrogates the destruction and violation of historical and cultural artifacts, particularly in The Canterbury Tales and Salò where he examines desecration as both literal and metaphorical.

His films grapple with the violation of indigenous sacred spaces and the collision between modern destruction and ancient civilizations, evident in works exploring Mexican cultural trauma and archaeological erasure.