Review of Irreversible (2002) by Roxanne R — 18 Mar 2011

This was a very difficult film to endure, to watch because of its disturbing and heartbreaking scenes! First of all this motion picture commences from the END and is shown sort of backwards until the beginning which is the end of the movie. Second of all I found very annoying the constant shaking and jerking of the camera during the first 30 mins of the movie when the protagonist's boyfriend and ex-boyfriend are seeking the man who brutally raped their girlfriend. The director (Gaspar Noe) decides to jerk the camera inside certain S&M leather clubs where sex takes place sort of free for all...as a viewer I want to see and experience everything inside the club, not so many erratic camera movements- BIG disappointment!

So what is this depressing and shocking movie about? A couple.

Marcus (Vincent Cassel) and Alex (Monica Bellucci) are deeply in love; Pierre (Albert Dupontel) is the older, more mature friend of Marcus, and also happens to be Alex's ex-lover. Despite the obvious tension that may result from this situation, the three still remain close friends. On one fateful night, the trio decides to get together to catch up on old times, and let off some steam at a raging house party. At the party Marcus starts flirting with other women and doing drugs to Alex's disappointment so she decides to leave the party by herself and go home to rest. The result of this decision is a rape scene of near-unbearable, despicable violence that will destroy Alex's life, and forever alter the futures of her male friends. I was so distraught and upset watching this movie that in all honesty I cannot recommend it. Way too graphic and shocking for my taste!!