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Jacques is a joke. The rape scene pretty generic? Get the fuck outta here. This scene is clearly more disturbing or graphic or more weighted than any other rape scene ever filmed.
Anyway, From Carne to Seul Contre Tous & Irreversible. Gaspard Noe is a genius.
When you ask most people the one major aspect that encompasses most children’s fiction, most will tell you: “A simplistic story; be it in black-and-white morality, or in an A to B plot structure.” Ironically, this definition also describes what critics and viewers both hail as one of the most disturbing movies ever made: Irreversible—and that’s why I find the film lacking.
If you know the film’s title, then you also know it’s one of the (handful) of movies that tells the story backwards. Though there were several lesser known films to do this long before the turn of the century, the one popular example is Memento. The one major difference here is, Memento was essentially just Happy Candy Land Rainforest Rainbow Ride, filled with trite, clean characters, and trite, safe, generic conflicts. When I first started viewing Irreversible, my only thought was: “Dude, this is Memento for adults! Thank God SOMEONE used the telling-the-story-backwards idea with an actually good story.” And that’s partly true . . .
Irreversible does have some of the rawest, unexplained perverse human behavior every filmed—that is, in the first half hour. Because the movie is reversed, the characters brutal actions aren’t explained until the midpoint of the movie, and, until that point, it’s downright awesome. You’re led to believe the characters are nihilists, causing this mayhem for no reason at all. The gritty environment (Rectum, the hotel, the tunnel) is genuinely gritty—not that cheap gangster shoot-‘em-up atmosphere you see in generic crime movies. Then the bad storytelling axe falls and I felt cheated.
After the overhyped rape scene, the entire movie falls into predictable slasher-revenge-angst plotline; or just downright boring horror. The actions are explained as being revenge for rape(ala The Last House on the Left, I Spit on Your Grave, Straw Dogs, etc., etc.) and the awesomeness of nihilism ends and the cliché storytelling begins. Point blank: the original body of work we’re led to believe the movies is, now is revealed as an unoriginal slasher flick. It’s like ordering an expensive gourmet Italian pizza, eating a couple bites, and finding out it’s really just frozen Save-A-Lot pizza from the local dollar store. And don’t even get me started on the so-cliché-I-laughed-out-loud pregnancy test ending . . .
Speaking of the rape scene: it’s pretty generic. According to a quick IMBD.com search, there are more than 2,206 movies with a rape plotline, and if I were to do a more advanced search, that number would likely triple. Yes, kids, rape is a disturbing and terrible thing in real life, and I am in no means patronizing the real life event. But, folks, WE’VE SEEN IT IN MOVIES THOUSANDS OF TIMES. What’s the big deal? You act as if Irreversible invented the scene or something. It’s not any more disturbing or graphic or more weighted than any other rape scene ever filmed.
The cinematography is cute. Spinning cameras, 2001: A Space Odyssey rip-off stylizing and music. I’m sure on a pretentious level this has a deep meaning (time and space and human insight—oh my!—as if we haven’t heard that before!), but I’ll just take it for face value and call it what it is. Cute cinematography that is both innovative and neat. But calling it “deep” is beyond melodramatic.
So.
Is Irreversible an enjoyable movie? Sure. I guess. It’s okay. Watch it on Friday night, go to bed, and, unless you’re a pretentious prick, I guarantee you won’t remember when you wake up Saturday morning . . . but it killed some time, right?
This movie was on of the most shocking movie experiences i have ever had and keep in mind it isn't a horror movie, well what happens in the movie is pretty much horror but they way its executed is so cold, dark and disturbing. After I watched it I literaly felt a very uncomfortable feeling. The hard thing to aknowledge is if I actually like it as it is so unsettling, but if a movie makes you think about it days or even weeks after you have seen it,than it must mean it was good or meant to provide a movie you will never forget. Remember once you watch it, you will never be able to forget it and I think that is exactly what the director intended
This is the cinematic equivilent of having your face smashed off with a fire extinguisher.
This is definitely not for the casual film goer but for people who prefer their films to be challenging, thought provoking and confronting. Yes, the rape scene is one of the most shocking moments ever put on film so prepare to want to look away from the screen during it's 11 minute duration. The film's backward structure is unique (including the credits) as is the camera work that shoots upside down, side to side and all over the place, accompanied by loads of stobe light flashing to dizzying effect. What starts out as an umcompromising vison of hell, from one of the seediest gay bars to the grimy underpass where the rape occurs actually ends up as something beautiful and strangly uplifting as the characters start at the end, in love with life and each other, but unaware of the horror that will change their lives forever. Cinema nees more directors like Noe. See it for yourself and see it more than once.
Very good movie. It's brutal, but to get the point across. the camera work was very interesting too. the backwards structure was another thing that i found interestung to watch. Overall, great film. definately noe for everyone though
Posted By: Hore_freak13 at 12:49pm, October 13, 2009
**** MINOR SPOILERS ******
I just ate lunch and watched the Fire Extinguiser scene. Then I was so full, I undid my belt to release my belly, only to come up to the rape seen.
Since my belt was undone... during the rape scene I.....
A deeply unsettling film but definitely worth a look.
I've read several accounts of people who've ceased watching or walked out on this film midway. This film's trauma is front loaded, so by the time people give up on it, they've already endured the worst of it.
The most dizzying movie ever made. Even thought it contained one the most uncomfortable scenes ever filmed, it's all nonsense in the end and you'll just end up feeling bad about yourself and the world we live in.
the most brutal killing ever on screen yep its a good one... the rest of the movie was very momento,and also kinda boaring....but that first scene i will never forget!
Posted By: BK's Finest at 2:38pm, December 30, 2008
Clearly not for everyone. This movie is not an horror movie, but it's way more sick and shocking than 99.99% of what you've ever seen before. Rape, suggestions of pedophilia (the scene in the bedroom), really explicit sexual gay scenes, and dizzying camera effects. If you want something with no cliche, no taboo, a really disturbing cold & nasty flick, this is for you.
Jacques get this one (the unrated version of course).....
Maybe you will stop and think about time and your actions.
Treat people how you want to be treated.
Enjoy life & have no regrets.
Posted By: bigmo_402 at 11:23am, September 5, 2008
Well after all the reviews I just finished this movie. Wow this goes where alot of movies don't even dream about going. It was kinda different going backwards and filming like they did. The two scenes are brutal and then they get you to know the story that led up to them. This movie isn't for everybody. It kinda ended wierd I Was wanting to know what happened to everyone but it wasn't going to happen.
I'm sorry but this film goes way beyond what is acceptable. It's a great idea for a story and needs a certain level of violence to convey it but this goes too far. I am not a prude, am very broad minded and love a good blood n guts horror as much as the next person but this film made me feel physically sick! Showing a women get brutally raped for 10 mins and then beaten into a coma is not entertainment. Showing a man get his skull beaten to pulp with a fire extinguisher and actually see it cave in is not entertainment. I accept that both scenes were integral to the film but there was absolutely no need to make them so revolting and downright brutal.
I stopped watching half way through the rape scene, took the film out and promptly binned it. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone!
Posted By: thedescent08 at 7:18pm, August 26, 2008
Bizarre French cinema that gets under your skin and claws it's way through your flesh. As soon as it was over I wanted to watch it again immediately to piece it together further.
Not a horror movie, but more horrifying than most anything I can imagine. Be prepared to cringe.
The BD review somes up the movie very well. i baught this movie and watched it amonth ago and it is one of my favorites. you haven't seen a movie quite like this before. it is also very violent but thought provoking. i like how this plays out better then Memnto
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