The penis has been set free in the world of film and TV series.
"Saltburn", "The Curse" and "House of the Dragon" are just a few current examples.
The phallus is still enormously symbolically charged, says cultural journalist Caroline Hainer.
The strong reactions on the internet after episode three of the second season of "House of the Dragon" are clear evidence. Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) visits a brothel and is humiliated by his brother with his penis dangling right in front of the camera.
Many current TV series have contributed to a veritable penis fest, such as "Euphoria", "Sex/Life", "White Lotus", "Scenes from a Marriage" and "Pam and Tommy". In last year's film snack "Saltburn", Barry Keoghan dances in naked triumph.
"For the men"
But the new penis wave is not a reaction against the male gaze – "something for the ladies".
Rather, it's for the men. In the Netflix series "A Real Man", the climax is a showdown between Jeff Daniels and his enemy. A man who has taken his money, his company, and finally his wife. Moreover, he has the biggest balls. It's for you guys, so you can see "wow, he's really the king", says Caroline Hainer.
The same emasculation is found in "The Curse" and the Swedish "Lust", where micro-penises become symbols of inferiority. Hainer notes that we still attribute great power to the penis, which is why it is rarely depicted as merely sexy and enjoyable. It has been celebrated in art throughout history as a boundary that men can cross to gain respect.
As long as it's not erect, which is often considered too threatening for film and TV.
The flaccid penis lives two lives. Either it's vulnerable, artistic, and strong, and we should applaud it. Or the penis is a punchline, the funny penis, says Caroline Hainer.
Oscar for penis prosthetic?
Oscar-nominated makeup artist Eva von Bahr ("Dune") has not noticed an increased demand for penis prosthetics. Instead, nudity on film sets has become easier with more planning and intimacy coordinators.
In the past, the actors would take off their clothes and then film a bit and see what happened. That's not how it works today, says Eva von Bahr.
According to her, other types of prosthetics are becoming more common, an effective way for both makeup artists and actors to approach the Oscars, with "The Whale" being a current example.
Could a penis prosthetic take someone to the Oscars?
I think that's very difficult. In that case, it would have to have a very prominent role in the film. I don't know if the American film market is ready yet, but you never know.
Kristoffer Viita/TT
Facts: Three iconic penises on film according to Caroline Hainer
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"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008): Comedy where Jason Segel's character accidentally becomes naked in the same scene as his girlfriend breaks up with him.
"This is almost 'ground zero' for the comedic penis", says Caroline Hainer.
"Boogie Nights" (1997): Paul Thomas Anderson's debut film about porn star Dirk Diggler's rise and fall, loosely based on the life of John Holmes. In the end, Diggler pulls out his penis in front of the mirror.
"A sad and tragic penis. That scene is great because the penis is actually the main character in the film, you've been waiting to see it".
"The Man on the Roof" (1976): Bo Widerberg's classic is often referred to as one of the best Swedish police films.
"Incredibly socially realistic penis where Sven Wollter also has a 'Ankeborg'-style t-shirt on. Totally asexual."
