Review of Irreversible (2002) by Miles S — 24 Feb 2011

Irreversible is among others in the new generation category of attempting to push the envelope on what's allowed to audiences, and boasts an overly graphic murder scene and a painfully lengthy and violent rape scene.

This film will be unwatchable to most film-goers, but the few who dare venture into it's lustful grasp can take away the unique and artful craft that Gaspar Noe has created. Using winding angle shots and a Memento inspired backwards plot presentation, he's brought to the table something that is left out in most films of our time.

One issue I wish to address with this film is that after the first 30 minutes of intensity and graphic indulgence, the story teeters off into a slow and slightly monotone relationship story which climaxes in an apartment with little action from the characters or interesting takes for the watcher.

The acting is very deliberate and successful, with Cassel leading the way in another terrific showing of his talents. You never feel left out of the action because the acting is forced and slowed as it can be with many small budget films.

Irreversible is a blundering graphic piece of urban, unique art that is most notable in it's presentation and ideas, but falls short with it's overall story and inability to keep the intensity flowing after the quickly occuring events in the opening chapters.