Orgasmus

About This Movie

So, Orgasmus is this intriguing piece of experimental cinema from 1967, a pretty early work by Valie Export. It's got this raw, almost clinical vibe to it, diving straight into the exploration of desire without any of the usual fluff. The pacing is deliberate, giving you time to sit with the discomfort of the subject matter. It raises questions about sexual dynamics and consent, particularly around the ambiguous nature of the characters’ interactions. The film’s starkness, combined with Export’s unflinching approach, makes it stand out in the landscape of underground cinema. Definitely not your conventional narrative, and that’s part of what gives it its unique edge.

Orgasmus is not the easiest film to find in good condition. It has had limited releases on home video, often buried in collections of experimental works or feminist cinema. Collectors tend to appreciate the film for its historical context and its role in highlighting Export's early experimentation with video and performance. As a piece of film history, it garners interest for both its artistic merit and its challenging themes.