masochism

His films like 'Antichrist' and 'Nymphomaniac' explicitly explore self-inflicted pain, suffering, and the protagonist's desire to endure punishment as central psychological themes.

'Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom' stands as cinema's most extreme exploration of sadism and masochism, depicting ritualized degradation and the paradox of pleasure through suffering.

His films including 'Irréversible' and 'Climax' deliberately inflict discomfort on the audience while exploring characters trapped in cycles of self-destructive behavior and trauma.