Movie spotlight
Onan
“ONAN is a work about desire (masturbation) which has no object but itself. The appearance of the large egg objectifies the man's desires. After colliding with the other (a girl), the hero falls down while still holding the egg, thus caricaturing the desire of the hero.” —Takahiko Iimura (takaiimura.com)
Insights
Plot Summary
This short film explores the biblical story of Onan, the second son of Judah, who was struck down by God for spilling his seed on the ground rather than impregnating his brother's widow. The narrative delves into the moral and spiritual implications of his actions within the context of ancient law and divine retribution.
Critical Reception
As a short, didactic film from 1963, 'Onan' did not receive widespread critical reviews in the manner of feature films. Its reception was likely tied to its religious or educational context, intended to illustrate a specific biblical narrative and its perceived moral lesson. It is generally considered an obscure piece within film history.
What Reviewers Say
Focuses on a specific, often controversial, biblical story.
Aims to provide a moral or spiritual interpretation of the narrative.
Limited accessibility and discussion in contemporary critical discourse.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The story of Onan is often cited in discussions about reproductive rights and biblical interpretations of male responsibility and sin, though this specific film adaptation remains largely undocumented.
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