Warning: The movie mentioned below was banned for children under 16 with a warning when it was released in theaters. It contains violent scenes that may offend the sensibilities of viewers.
It is one of the most shocking and controversial films of recent years. In 2002, Gaspar Noé’s Irreversible, directed by Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, caused a sensation in the seventh art world.
It must be said that experience is not under everyone’s eyes. The singularity of Iréversible, a particularly trying feature film, is the counterbalance of excruciating scenes (a 9-minute rape in one continuous shot, carnage with a fire extinguisher) and moments of intense happiness.
To remind you, Iréversible tells the story of a young woman who is raped by a stranger in a tunnel. Her companion Marcus and her ex-boyfriend Pierre then decide to take justice into their own hands.
Told upside down, Irreversible thus begins with scenes of great violence, something Cannes Film Festival audiences did not approve of during the film’s competition submission. We were on the Croisette in May 2002 to collect the first reaction from the public: more than twenty years later, this theatrical release, which we found in our aforementioned player, is still as mind-boggling to watch!
“It will be love and hate at Cannes: people will cry genius, others will scream that films like this should be banned”, Monica Bellucci predicted to our colleagues at Inrockuptibles. The actor was right: the reception of Iréversible on the Croisette, but also from the press in general, was very divided. And you, what do you think of this sulphurous film?
“Irreversible” trailer:
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
