sadomasochism

His films like 'Antichrist' and 'Nymphomaniac' explicitly explore pain, suffering, and transgressive desires through provocative narratives and visual intensity.

His controversial works, particularly 'Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom', unflinchingly examine power dynamics, degradation, and the relationship between desire and violence.

His body horror films like 'Videodrome' and 'Crash' merge physical pleasure with pain and violation, creating disturbing meditations on desire and the human form.