Irréversible (Gaspar Noé, 2002)
Le temps détruit tout (Time destroys everything)
Noé's notorious 2002 film is far from enjoyable. It is, however, a very interesting cinematic experience...
an experiment gone right.
Back in 2002, Irréversible had been passed uncut (in the UK) by the BBFC. I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall of that viewing! Irréversible gained instant notoriety for 3 reasons: the unflinching violence, the experimental, near vomit-inducing way it was shot, and an 8 minute real-time rape sequence. It was these elements -in particular the violent rape sequence- which caught the attention of the UK media, and they were in uproar. They were way off course, because Irréversible is considered an art-house movie. Let's face it, if the BBFC passed it uncut, it was going to remain released. The press were just out to cause trouble, much like their reaction to Cronenberg's 'Crash' back in 1996.
I saw this once at the cinema. It was the final showing of its run at Manchester's wonderful Cornerhouse.
The film was on screen 3, which is very small and almost claustrophobic when full. Bear in mind it seats about 28 people, and the screen is the size of most people's TV sets. As it was the final showing, and due to the attention of the press, it was a full house. It was one of the worst cinematic experiences of my life, and not just because of the nature of the film. I'd seen the 'Tetsuo' double bill in the same screen some years prior to this, and that also left me a gibbering, jabbering mess.
The film is presented in reverse order. The final scene is at the beginning of the film, which actually starts off pretty much where Noe's feature debut 'Seul Contre Tous' (I stand alone), left off, where Philippe Nahon is speaking about his incestuous past.
From there it tracks backwards in 13 complete scenes. Much of the dialogue is improvised, and some CGI was added in post-production. Vincent Cassel & his real-life wife Monica Bellucci are the main characters, who both approach their roles with aplomb. The story concerns Bellucci & Cassel's relationship before & after an violent, extreme rape. The scene itself is unflinching in it's presentation.
The visuals are from a handheld perspective, and can be quite dizzying and disorientating. The low-frequency heavy soundtrack is also deliberately noxious, but all this is very deliberate stuff from Noé, who has been hailed as a genius by some and derided by others. Noé, like Irréversible is a love or hate affair... there's no grey area here, oh no.
It may be a traumatic watch, but from an artistic, filmic point of view, I think this film is fascinating. Noé makes the film an experience, rather than a hefty-slab of Hollywood entertainment, and he succeeds... but only because he bashes you across the head with it. Having said that, I must say that the final 20 minutes are actually quite beautiful. The relationship depicted between Bellucci & Cassel gives some hope to the viewer that this isn't a purely exploitative picture. I also believe the fact that they are an actual couple is important, in much the same way as Kidman & Cruise were in 'Eyes Wide Shut'.
The film ends with a lovely bit of Ludwig Van, then slaps you in the face with revolting & unnecessary strobing effect. An effect which is entirely fitting to the films style. If you think you can handle it, I'd recommend to watch it once. It'll stay with you for the rest of your life.
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