4/5 A Review by Dr. Joseph Suglia
  by Dr. Joseph Suglia
IRREVERSIBLE: The traces of other films are indeed perceptible on its canvas. And yet it is absolutely singular, absolutely unlike anything else in the history of cinema.

People go on and on about how "disturbing" this film is. On a mundane level, the film is "disturbing," of course. But I personally found the film just, morally unambiguous, and even beautiful.

It is simultaneously the ugliest and most beautiful of all films.

The film's message is not, as most people claim, that "time destroys all things." This is a painfully banal cliche, and, yes, it is plastered onto the surface of the film as if it were a billboard. The film's reverse order gives the lie to this stupid cliche. We are discussing a film that contradicts its own title: "Irreversible" reverses everything. The film says: yes, time destroys all things, but time itself can be destroyed.

Because the camera swirls around in a disorienting way at the beginning of the film (and at other points, as well, suggesting the reversibility of time), the spectator is initially unaware that the film starts with a scene of brutal vengeance. Nor does one understand, at this point, why this vengeance takes place. This effect of disorientation prevents the spectator from forming a moral judgment and condemning the bloody act of revenge.

The final scene of bliss (the "end" of the film is its chronological beginning) contains such pathos that it is absolutely overpowering: now the spectator finally recognizes (a recognition that comes by way of a feeling) that rape destroys human life. The woman who is raped, Alex (Monica Bellucci) is mourned at the close of the film (against Beethoven's seventh symphony); her assailant, whose violation mirrors her violation, is not.

Marcus is Alex's current lover. Pierre is Alex's former lover, an older man. Pierre shows infinitely more devotion toward Alex than her boyfriend: he is the true spirit of revenge in the film. Marcus, by contrast, is self-absorbed, stupid, and morally weak: out of fear, he is reluctant to avenge the crime committed against his girlfriend.

Does Pierre resent Alex for having chosen another man over him? There is evidence of this in the film.

If you are a man, this film will make you feel ashamed that you are.

In the bedroom scene, Marcus reveals that he is the rapist's double. Watch this scene carefully, and you will see what I mean.

Likewise, Marcus is quite similar to the anonymous passer-by who witnesses the rape in the tunnel (the tunnel is a figure that is used throughout the film) and yet does nothing to prevent it.

Those who run from the theater in horror are just as cowardly as that passer-by.

Dr. Joseph Suglia

5/5 unforgettable
  by CBGB (USA)
This movie is simply unforgettable. Gaspar Noe is not held back the same way American directors are. This movie would never have been made in the US. I only wish I could speak French so I didn't have to take my eyes off the screen to read the subtitles. The Backward time edit is really efective, but takes a few scenes to set in. The fire extinguisher scene is supremely gruesom, very realistic, and horrifyingly disturbing. And not a second of CGI I might add. Monica Belluci is beautiful as always, and gives a terrific performance. The fact that the tunnel scene ( as all others ) is one continuous cut, proves that the director was interested in the utmost realism, and He delivers. Be warned however that this is not a movie for youngsters or someone who would be easily offended, there are scenes of full frontal male nudity, erect penises, and more pelvic thrusts than a Ron Jeremy movie. The first 20 minutes or so have some wild camera work, but it is demonstrating the state of mind for Pierre, and Marcus, and is very effective. Over all a great movie expierence.



5/5 Warning!
  by Daniel Gonzalez (Los Angeles, CA)
This film is one of the most explicit movies I've ever seen. It is a great movie, but I wouldn't recomend it to the soft hearted. My wife had cried in disgust during a rape seen. Enough said. Great movie, not for kids.

1/5 Irreversible it Sucks no matter how hot the chic on the box looks dont buy it.Please I am saving you money by telling you this .
  by Lorenzo J. Alvarado Jr. (il, USA)
I watched this movie and it was a real stinker.At the being I was dizzy because the camera guy was [...]with the camera moving it around like he was tripping on acid or something, a guys girlfriend gets her "[...]and raped and then the boyfriend and a friend go looking for the guy who did it and smash his [...]head in and kill him. The only thing good is the the Cover of this so called movie.

5/5 Dangerous
  by Pamela J. Baker
Who doesn't like Monica Belluci & Vincent Cassel...this is hard core but a classic cult film. Solid gold.