'Misogyny consultant' defends 'Antichrist'

Heidi Laura has spoken out in defence of Lars von Trier's new movie Antichrist.

Hired by von Trier as a "misogyny consultant" for the film, the journalist argued that it is important to explore controversial subjects rather than ignore them.

Laura told The Independent: "Call me evil, but I think the dark shadows of civilisation deserve to be seen and reflected on rather than ignored.

"As I moved through the sources, I realised that the age-old dichotomy between supposedly rational man and supposedly wild and uncontrollable woman, ruled by impulse and desire, has never left us."

She added: "Should we avoid staring into that abyss or should we acknowledge this male anxiety, perhaps even note with satisfaction that women are mostly described as very powerful beings by these anxious men?"

Actress Charlotte Gainsbourg recently defended von Trier against the accusation that he hated women.

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