“Irréversible” is a notorious French arthouse thriller. The film dropped in 2002 and is the product of filmmaker Gaspar Noé. I haven’t viewed any of Noé’s other films, but he too is something of a pariah amidst the cinema community.
The Scene
I knew two things before watching. The film is told in a unique non-chronological format which I love. And it that it contained a particularly brutal and realistic sexual assault scene that was instantly the draw of controversy. Critics have praised the film whilst panning the brutality of the scene. Hundreds of attendees reportedly walked out when it premiered at Cannes, and I can see why.
It’s tough to watch at times for various reasons, ranging from the aforementioned to one of the most realistic death scenes I have watched. And the shaky camera that in itself warrants a trigger warning for those afflicted with epilepsy.
Time Destroys All Things
Clocking in at 94 minutes, “Irréversible” consists of 14 scenes, with each preceding the other in terms of chronology. In other words, the movie opens with the end of a single traumatic night.
A man is being loaded into an ambulance via stretcher while another is taken away by police. Something terrible has happened, and like the layers of an onion, the viewer is slowly clued in on the events of the evening.
Two men, Marcus (Vincent Cassel) and Pierre (Albert Dupontel) are opposites in appearance and personality. Marcus is fiery and hot-tempered. Pierre is soft spoken and logical. The men attend a party with their one common bond. Alex (Monica Bellucci) who used to date Pierre and is currently dating Marcus.
Revealing more is a disservice. “Irréversible” moves fast, and you won’t have time to second guess what’s happening. I didn’t recognize either of the two leads, but both are excellent. Specifically, they are such different men that having to work in tandem is a treat to behold. Monica Bellucci is outstanding in limited screen time and will leave you speechless in the previously referenced assault scene. French boxer Jo Prestia lends support and is perfectly vile in a sinister role of Le Tenia.
Arthouse Style
Gaspar Noé shot the film in a continuous handheld style. The images are quick and disjointed at times. The choice of filming style lets us the viewer feel like we are in Paris watching the events unfold. The need to read subtitles and the rapid pace of the story can be overwhelming at times. There’s no harm in taking things slow as you digest.
The movie opens with one of the best scenes I have ever watched. Marcus and Pierre enter a BDSM club looking for Le Tenia. Imagery moves fast. It’s dark and the club is seemingly an endless labyrinth. Industrial music accompanies the search and keeps you fully invested.
“Irréversible” is a movie for those that love film. The art of telling the story is done in a unique and entertaining way. Yes, there are some brutal and tough parts to watch, but all fall within the realm of realism and necessity in telling the story. It’s dark literally and figuratively. It’s the type of movie I’m glad I watched once, but would not want to revisit.
