‘Objet a’ Review: Ann Oren’s Wickedly Kinky Curiosity Eroticizes Everything From Mushrooms to Mushroom Cuts
“Objet a” was Lacan’s term for the lack, the absence, that sets our desires into motion; an object-cause rather than a physical object. If it were the latter, a more apt title for Ann Oren’s delicious new film would be “Object A to Z,” given the impressively vast range of things
Ann Oren's film "Objet a" is making waves in the art house film scene with its wickedly kinky take on the everyday. By eroticizing mundane objects like mushrooms and mushroom cuts, Oren challenges the viewer's perceptions and blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. This bold move is reminiscent of the surrealist movement, which often used unconventional imagery to subvert societal norms.
The title "Objet a" itself is a nod to French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan's concept of the objet petit a, or the object-cause of desire. This reference adds a layer of depth to the film, suggesting that Oren's use of everyday objects as erotic stimuli is not just a provocative gesture, but a commentary on the human condition. By exploring the ways in which our desires are shaped by the objects that surround us, Oren's film offers a fascinating critique of contemporary culture.
As the film festival circuit continues to heat up, "Objet a" is sure to be a talking point among cinephiles and critics alike. For fans of Oren's work, the next thing to watch is her previous film, which also explored themes of desire and the human condition. For those new to her work, "Objet a" is a great introduction to her unique vision and style. Meanwhile, other filmmakers to watch in this vein include those associated with the Berlin School, known for their similarly nuanced and psychologically complex explorations of human desire.
Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.