Irreversible
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Movie Reviews of Irreversible
Movie Review: Shockingly Powerful
Summary: 5 Stars
-SPOILERS-'Irreversible' is a totally unique film experience. It may not be totally enjoyable due to its content, yet a must see for any film enthusiast.Director/writer Gaspar Noe delivers this mind-bending, harrowing film in total reverse sequence. Thus we are given a view of the conclusion at the film's very start. It is immediately known that the principal characters (Vincent Cassel and Albert Dupontel) are engaged on a vicious search for an individual who has committed an extreme act against them. Whether directly or indirectly, we sit eyes affixed to the screen eager to know what has transpired. As the film unfolds, we view the principals in a wild dash around Paris to find this mystery individual. Stopping at nothing, these two characters will clearly not be denied and are willing to assault and harrass anyone who might hold the key. Eventually, we bear witness to an extremely unpleasant and repulsive rape scene of Cassel's girlfriend played by the lovely Monica Bellucci. This scene lasts at least 10 minutes and we now understand the reason for this vengence. The remainder of the film provides the set-up for this awful scene and allows the viewer to gain an understanding of these incredibly complex characters. This is a triumphant achievement for Mr.Noe. He is clearly a man with vision and one who knows no boundaries in terms of what to put on the screen. A big thumbs up to Thomas Bangalter of DAFT PUNK for putting together a musical score that flows so well with the story. This film will not appeal to everyone. If your idea of film is the latest Julia Roberts flick, steer clear of this movie.
9/10
Movie Review: PLEASE DON'T READ THIS UNTIL YOU'VE SEEN THE MOVIE!!
Summary: 5 Stars
***SPOILER ALERT***
I keep reading reviews stating that the assailant was brutally murdered by Pierre in the revenge scene. If you didn't catch the very last shot of the true rapist, staring bewilderedly at Pierre, then you haven't gotten the full message of the film. The rapist did NOT die at the end of the film (although, I'll admit, the poor sob that lost his face DID look a whole lot like the tenia...). I didn't catch this the first time around, but after I finished it, I went back to that scene and watched closely. He's even wearing the same necklace. My guess is that the tenia was in that back room that those two thugs were standing in front of (guarding?). During all of the commotion, he must have come out to witness the murder, realizing that it was meant for him. That look in the last take of the scene says it all...you can even see a smile creeping into that look of disbelief. Obviously, this makes the overall message far bleaker than if he had truly had his face beaten in (which he most definately deserved). Knowing that the most despised character in the movie is the only one that truly comes out unscathed...THAT is what makes this movie so disturbing. I read reviews saying that the rape and the murder scenes haunt them for days after seeing the film...but seeing that filthy rapist smile, knowing he's getting away with it...that's something i won't be forgetting any time soon.
Movie Review: Time Destroys You
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a huge fan of this director, it's no surprise I recommend the film ... but only if you can tolerate extremely challenging cinema. If you like films that make you feel happy about being alive, this isn't for you. If you like films that don't make you think, this isn't for you.
Much has been and will be written of the film's violence and rape scene. Less will be written about the ways the director makes you feel uncomfortable (sound, camera work and lighting effects). Trust me, it all works, and if you have a good sound system or are prone to seizures you may just want to stay away from this one. Noe likes dealing with mass manipulation through things like film, and this movie is no exception. Its violence and rape scene don't make this an effective film, however. It's what leads up to it (in reverse order, of course.)
Naysayers will easily dismiss this film as vile, and they are right. But it is also honest and unafraid. To dismiss it without seeing it, however, shows how little some people know. You can't help but be moved by what Noe is doing, and he isn't trying to move you in a positive way. He's making a statement, and it's a statement that says revenge is hideous and sometimes necessary; that men are beasts (and that's sometimes a saving grace); and that people don't make the most of the time they are given.
Vile? Maybe so. But so is ignorance.
Movie Review: What did I just see??!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Was that the beginning? Was that the end? What the hell? Well, I will tell you what I saw. This film runs in reverse, the credits are in reverse, it's all backwards. Yes, you see the end first and the beginning at the end. Confused? Don't be, it's not too hard to follow when you are watching the film, especially if you are expecting it. This, by no means, will ruin any part of the movie for the first time viewer either. About the story, I can still remember, very vividly, this entire film. It left an impression on my twisted, numbed, De-sensitized mind (Believe me, that's saying something!). This film will just about p*ss you off (rape/revenge, baby!) and then leave the viewer staring in utter shock! A few very brutal, brutal scenes here!!! Not to mention the hermaphrodite, Whoa! Man!
I will not get into any specific details about the shock scenes that unfold, but will WARN you that this hits like a Louisville slugger to the back of the head!(Don't want to give anything away.)
Anyone that's interested in a little shock cinema and doesn't mind subtitles, must and I repeat, MUST preview this film! This is foreign (FRENCH), NOT a low budget flick and I guarantee you have never come across anything like it. Brilliant, original, repulsive and positively sickening!!!
Good luck and I can only hope that your viewing experience is as memorable and exhausting as mine was!
Movie Review: Filmaking at it's most toxic
Summary: 5 Stars
There is a rape scene in this movie that is so nasty and brutal it makes the rape victem in I Spit on your Grave seem like she got off lucky. I wish Irreversible could be discounted as cheap, exploitative trash so that it would not leave me so emotionally scarred. This film presents it's disturbing message in such a daring, orginal way that it's impact lasts for days. The story is told in "reverse" starting with a graphic act of violence in what seems to be one of the darkest pits of hell then proceeds to tell the story by showing what preceeded each scene including the most brutal rape scene ever commited to celluloid. Each scene is one contineous and extensive camera take leaving the viewer amazed, horrified, and drained. The "end" of the movie is the morning of the ensuing horror: a morning filled with light, hope, and peace. Showing me such a horrible end first then showing me such a hopeful beginning and subjecting me to such a graphic rape played havoc on my sensibilities. This is filmmaking at it's most daring and extreme. If you are one of those people who like to be "entertained" and think movies should be "fun", for you I give this 0 stars. For movie fans who think they are "seen it all" and think movies should leave a lasting impression (even a harsh one), then you need to watch this movie.
This movie gets 5 stars but remember to brace yourself for a harrowing time.