To say Irreversible is tough viewing is an understatement to say the least. When first released in 2002 the film was both universally acclaimed and condemned due to its confronting nature, and now, 12 years on from its initial release, the film is no less threatening. Given that Irreversible deals with unadulterated violence and brutal sexual assaults, all depicted in the most graphic of fashions, it’s easy to understand why it attracted such a scathing response from critics and audience members who were naturally displeased at the imagery director Gaspar Noé adopted. Whilst it isn’t always necessary to showcase such vile acts in explicit detail, the sad truth is these acts of evil exist in our society and this film is a not-so-mere reminder of that.
Narratively, the film follows a similar path to that of Christopher Nolan’s 2000 thriller Memento where it plays the proceedings in a reverse chronological order. Using this element raises its simple story to an elevated level where the film’s theme of the fragility and unpredictability of life is more profoundly realised. Viewing it from a linear point of view the film details a single day in the life of Marcus (Vincent Cassel) and Alex (Monica Bellucci), a seemingly happy couple whose intended night out turns to disaster when, at a party, Alex storms off unaccompanied following Marcus’ excessive use of drugs and alcohol. As she makes her way home Alex is attacked by a stranger and subsequently raped (a sequence that runs for over 7 minutes in an apparent unedited take), leading to Marcus and his friend Pierre (Albert Dupontel) to exact revenge.
As the film opens with Marcus and Pierre bludgeoning a man to death (another single-shot scene that sets the tone for the film’s unapologetically realistic nature) it’s easy to reject the events taking place and accuse the film of distancing its audience from concerning themselves with the characters on screen, but the fact that we have to witness such distressing events before really learning who these characters are makes Irreversible’s existential edge all the more effective; An ordinary couple can have their lives torn apart by the viciousness of society. A peaceful man can transform himself into a violent, primal animal when his existence is threatened. There are dangers in the world that we don’t ever think we will come into contact with and this film speaks to the false sense of security we hold on to.
Due to Noé’s minimalistic approach to drafting the film (his script was only 3 pages long) much of the dialogue was improvised by the cast which only enhances the unpredictable environment of the film, and having actors like Cassel and Bellucci involved, who at the time were actually together, proves an asset in making these characters appear more endearing. As positive an aspect the acting is though, ‘Irreversible’ is not a film easily recommended. Whilst I can appreciate the artistic methods that have been implemented, and there’s no denying the power felt through Noe’s commentary on human behaviour, the length and inhumaneness of the two significant violent segments – Alex’s rape and the bludgeoning – as well as the dizzying camera work which sets the opening (ending?) off are enough to test even the most desensitised of viewers; not to mention the first 30 or so minutes are underlined with a near inaudible frequency that can cause nausea, sickness and vertigo in humans – an intentional additive from Noe for the purpose of an extravagant reaction.
‘Irreversible’ is a film that will hurt you upon its viewing and its story outline alone will determine whether or not you’re prepared to witness such acts of cinematic depravity. Much like Requiem for a Dream, this is one outing that earns my respect but I have no intention of revisiting anytime soon. Irreversible is a horror film in the truest sense of word and, at the very least, Noé deserves to be applauded for not sugarcoating the harshest of realities.
Review Score: THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Irreversible has been re-released on Blu-Ray Dish by Accent Film Entertainment. It is currently available
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