Irreversible
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Movie Reviews of Irreversible
Movie Review: Why can't Americans make films like this?
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is an absolute masterpiece, a movie that will NEVER be made in America. We ask for violence in our movies, but we want it to be quick and (psychologically) painless. We want sex in our movies, but nothing more than "boobies" and simulated, under the blanket sex. What makes this film so powerful is that it refuses to operate by these conventions--we've always been told that the rape scene in "The Accused" was harrowing and groundbreaking. Frankly, it looks like an episode of "Sesame Street" compared to the rape scene in this movie. Some will argue that I am depraved for wanting to see a realistic rape scene. The fact is, the scene made me extremely uncomfortable--as a rape scene should. Why should we get off easily when shown something as heinous as a rape? I believe that the typical 10 second rape scenes trivialize the rape and make it devoid of the devastating consequences it should have upon the viewer's psyche. I would also like to commend Gaspar Noe for showing real sex in his movies. It's about time someone made a movie that proves you can have graphic sex without it being prurient. Irreversible does for sex what Joyce's Ulysses did for sexuality in literature. I can only hope that one day Americans will get over their Puritanical roots, because the Europeans, the Japanese and the South Koreans are humiliating us in the film department.Movie Review: Time destroys everything
Summary: 5 Stars
Gaspar Noe's much-anticipated follow-up to "I Stand Alone" caused much controversy when it premiered because of its brutally violent and sexually explicit content (apparently at Cannes, it caused many people to either pass out or throw up). It takes a lot to shock me these days (after all, I even found "I Stand Alone" pretty tame), but I found it extremely difficult to sit through some of the scenes in this movie. Yes, it *is* that disturbing. Yes, it *does* live up to the "hype." Don't watch this if you have a weak heart. Consider yourself warned. Having said that, this really is a fantastic movie. The story is simple, but its backward storytelling (a la "Memento", but without any overlaps) makes it complex and gripping. The unusual camera movements were a little headache/nausea-inducing at first, but they fit the frantic pace and emotional state of the movie extremely well, and they do eventually settle down towards the end (the beginning?). My biggest complaint is that once the two "money shot" scenes are over with, you're too emotionally spent that it's tough to concentrate on the later potion of the film (i.e. before the "tragedy") even though they do serve a purpose. I also loved the "In the Mood For Love"-esque cinematography and an excellent soundtrack by Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter.
Movie Review: WOW! AMAZING FILM! MY FIRST TIME FEELING THIS WAY AFTER A MOVIE!
Summary: 5 Stars
I just saw "Irreversible" for the first time yesterday and I must say I can't get it off my mind. Very brutal and very demanding of the viewer but worth it! I was extremely uncomfortable during the rape scene- almost to the point of feeling sick, but at the end of the movie I felt so glad I endured the whole thing. What an amazing look into fate and destiny. Delivers a very true but dismal message of "Time Destroys all things." Watching this movie is definitly a brain-changing event. I can't describe exactly what I mean. You have to see it for your self. Please be adventurous and forget all those dogmas you've been taught. Watch this movie with an open mind and I guarantee your gonna feel like you got off a 2 hour rollcoaster! Everyone likes to have that short moment of violence or sex in a movie. Many filmmakers just depict rape as a horrible 30 second event. Most American movies are like getting on a rollcoaster for 2 minutes - It's exciting, ok, but you were safe and get off easy. Trying riding a rollercoaster (Irreversible) for 2 hours. WOW! that's all I can say WOW! I will be looking into other foreign films now. If they can take me to such heights with violence and horror I can't even imagine how amazing it will be to see such filmmakers tackle other subjects.Movie Review: Gritty, disturbing, dark, dangerous and just a bit BRILLIANT!
Summary: 5 Stars
I walked into this film expecting to see brutal rape and murder via fire extinguisher. Yet still I was surprised. I had not expected to endure inaudible low-frequency sound, gutwrenching camera movements, surprisingly transcendent and memorable acting performances, an ending (or beginning??) twist that would normally be cliched and unoriginal yet seems powerfully sad, and a final Strobe lightshow that brings the film's powerful message (Time Destroys Everything) full circle. Notable for its masterful cinematography (particularly in the "Rectum" scene), mindblowing soundtrack (the final piece of classical music was really effective) and an intriguing slow pace that surprisingly works. As for the reverse chronology, I think it makes the film much more effective, and changes it from graphic and gratuitous torture-porn to meaningful and satisfactory revenge flick. If the film had been in chronological order, there would have been very less special about it. But Noe's idea of having the viewer watch the end first, and then be subjected to a final thirty minutes of the characters happy and enjoying themselves, being powerless to warn them or help them, makes it all the more scary and memorable. A masterpiece of French cinema.Movie Review: disturbing, brilliant, near perfect
Summary: 5 Stars
Other than the slightly confusing chronology of the very last scenes (made up for by an overwhelming and very sudden ending), this is one of the most gorgeous and brutal films I have ever seen. The cast is flawless, which actually aids in the discomfort factor...when Monica Bellucci's character is raped, it isn't just the ultra-raw, minimal camera style (the camera stays completely stationary) that causes you to flinch-it's the moans and screams that she makes during the entire ordeal. You actually feel like you're watching a woman get brutally assaulted...and even with all that going on, the director manages to add another disturbing elemant to the shot toward the end. While a lot of "disturbing-film-list" movies can be pointless and gratuitous, the violence here is not only realistic and essential to the storytelling, but actually underscores the even more disturbing "can't turn back time/no matter how bad it is it can get MUCH worse" message contained in the characters' actions and futile attempts at "justice". Not for the faint of heart, but if you love the artistic aspect of movie-making, this is an amazingly crafted film that almost makes you feel as if you're being slapped in the face while watching.