I don't understand why we still need to make this point, not just about sexism, but any type of behaviour. Isn't it obvious that depicting something and condoning are not the same thing?
Because it is a common misconception about art. Especially art like mother! that is purposefully convoluted, or Von Trier which seems to constantly be depicting the worst sexist behavior in every film. It is easy to recognize the abuse but fail to interpret the film as rejecting that abuse.
In the case of mother! Bardem is clearly charming and seemingly loving on the surface, so someone might see him as a protagonist. You and I interpret him in a different way, but of course, I see Him as me, while you distance yourself a bit more from Him.
There is a difference between a film depicting sexism and being sexist. I certainly see mother! as being the first one, not the second. You can disagree, and I don't have a problem with that. I hope you will allow me how I read the movie, as long as we both agree that sexism is being depicted.
I just want to know why you think this instead of flat dismissal. Since you're the one who struck through my sentence and rewrote it, it isn't the question over me allowing you to do anything, it's you allowing me.
I used your language to make my point. That's a common feature used on this board, and it is meant to be friendly. Sorry if you were offended.
I don't think that Him is portrayed as a protagonist, but as a friendly idiot, whose power is used against Her, often without his knowledge. Through most of the film, Him's followers take advantage of the house and of Her, which he doesn't see because he is too blinded by the joy of the attention and worship. Also, the whole film is presented from Her perspective, so we empathize with her point of view, the abuse and harm she suffers. Him might represent God, but in my interpretation Him better represents Patriarchy, the clueless, powerful ruler who harms Her without knowing or admitting that he is doing it. People blind Him so Him cannot see what is happening to Her.