Review of Irreversible (2002) by Mihael T — 22 Sep 2011

When researching some of the most controversial horror movies to watch and review, one continually appeared on almost every list and could barely escape mention on forums. Irreversible, written and directed by Gaspar Noe, lives up to its hype. It is a technical masterpiece and a fine example of storytelling brilliance. For many people, this film will be unwatchable. It's a very walked-out-of movie.

The story is told in reverse, the scenes in the beginning are the end of the story. From the start Gaspars directing style baffled me. He employs this spinning, disorientating camera. It takes a little while to adjust to as my initial reaction was nausea, but he employs this element in contrast with an unflinching, objective camera style in other scenes. The camera style at first eluded me as to its purpose, but it becomes clear as we are taken throughout the scenes in reverse order. The camera feels organic somehow, that it's slipping in and out of these scenes as a kind of intrusive, invisible eye. The extent to which Gaspar takes this transitioning, spinning camera is remarkable. It is used so well, and is not self-indulgent as I first thought. This is not the only stylistic element used to heighten the atmosphere of Irreversible. Sounds play an important role. Noe uses low-frequency sounds for this film, which somehow adds to this feeling of disorientation and confusion that we feel. The background music in the club, for instance, achieves such an effect as being in a trance. Ritualistic, it completes the images which we see and cements them in our minds.

The two main scenes are extremely powerful and raw. The camera adds an extraordinary amount to these scenes. When the man is beaten in the beginning of the movie we feel as though the camera is an accomplice. During the rape scene it is cold, immobile, adding to the shock we feel. When it is finally moved, it completes the drama and renders the scene unforgettable. In my opinion, Gaspar's directing in Irreversible can only be called brilliant. For the actors too it cannot be understated what a marvelous job they all do. At no moment was I taken out of the action by the actors. They play their parts perfectly and the result is minimal distraction. Monica Bellucci, as Alex, does a phenomenal job in her role. She is completely believable, and her performance haunts me.

This movie is very brutal and unforgiving. It's interesting to note, though, how the reverse order of the scenes are what make this movie truly stand out. Roger Ebert wrote, "The film doesn't build up to violence and sex as its payoff, as pornography would. It begins with its two violent scenes, showing us the very worst immediately and then tracking back into lives that are about to be forever altered." By employing this time line Noe avoids convention and expectation. Ebert goes on to argue that the film, "is therefore moral - at a structural level.".

A masterpiece in structure, amazing in its style, and confident in its maturity in handling the subject matter, I can honestly say that Irreversible is the best horror film I have ever seen. I definitely would not recommend it to just anyone, this film has its select audience.