hedonism vs. redemption

His films obsessively explore moral degradation and suffering as paths to spiritual redemption, particularly in works like 'Breaking the Waves' and 'Dogville'.

He examines characters torn between indulgence and redemption across sprawling narratives, notably in 'There Will Be Blood' and 'Magnolia'.

His visceral filmography charts addiction and pleasure-seeking against desperate quests for salvation and transformation, as seen in 'Requiem for a Dream' and 'The Wrestler'.