Irreversible

Brilliant, borderlining unwatchable.

The moment this movie started playing with the end credits rolling in reversal - I thought, what have I gotten myself into?  I’d been putting my Irreversible viewing off for a while.  I heard things.  I was apprehensive, and rightfully so.  This pictorial gem is possibly the utmost unnerving motion picture I’ve witnessed thus far.  Argentinian Film Director, Gaspar Noé, wrote and directed the avant-garde story as a non-linear narrative.  The movie opens with the Butcher (Philippe Nahon), who is the antihero of Noé’s preceding film, I Stand Alone.  He delivers the line “Time destroys everything” - which in essence, is the interpretation of the story.  On the street below, Marcus (Vincent Cassel) and Pierre (Albert Dupontel) rush a gay nightclub called The Rectum, in a confrontational manner.  They are in pursuit of a man named le Tenia, aka “The Tapeworm” (Jo Prestia).  It is later divulged that le Tenia has raped and viciously assaulted Marcus’ girlfriend, Alex (Monica Bellucci).  The two men, having taken action into their own hands, decide to vindicate the savage crime themselves.  This is unquestionably, a daunting tale of revenge and the consequences that come with it.
 

The focal point of Irreversible is hands down the rape scene between Monica Bellucci and Jo Prestia.  At a count of approximately 11 minutes, the scene is unbearable to watch.  Totally invasive, it’s shot in one take that never cuts away.  It just feels like it goes on and on and on.  But the fact that the rape does not eclipse the rest film is incredible.  The whole movie is presented in reverse chronological order - think Memento by Christopher Nolan.  And if that isn’t enough, it was stylistically shot in a way to look as though it was recorded in one long take.  Phew!  That’s a lot to take in.  The contentious subject matter is primarily focused on in the first half of the movie.  The supporting half, lets us breathe a little and recollect everything that has already happened.  We see people who are living their lives, unknowing of their inevitable futures … which may almost be the scariest part…  
Irreversible - beating Kill List for #10.  

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Just kidding, the scariest part is still the rape scene.

And on that point - girls, I know we all have the right to wear whatever we want, whenever we want to.  But take note!  Just because you may feel strong and sexy, doesn’t mean someone else won’t see you as defenseless and at risk.  Stay safe and stay smart!

Irreversible is available to stream online at Netflix and EpixHD.