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MONTREAL — It is not uncommon for gruesome photos and videos to be exhibited in criminal trials, but usually the author of the violence does not claim credit.

In one 10-minute film played in Quebec Superior Court Wednesday, however, the accused’s name was proudly displayed in the closing credits as director, special-effects artist and “psychopath.”

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The director and star, Rémy Couture, is not charged with physically harming anyone in the films and photos that have been shown to the jury. He is a special-effects artist and the images, which he posted online, were a kind of calling card to show off his talents.

But the fictional violence inflicted by Mr. Couture’s “psychopath” – the torture, mutilation and sexual abuse of naked women – appears so brutal, the Crown is arguing the material is illegal.

In 2009, Montreal police arrested the 35-year-old on charges of producing, possessing and distributing obscene material.