With some dizzying, swirling camera work and an effectively unsettling score from Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk fame - as well as a unique gimmick - Irreversible is one of the more gut-wrenching horror efforts in quite some time.

Controverial filmmaker Gasper Noe's Irreversible tells what would appear to be a straight forward, even simplistic story that doesn't seem to deviate too far from the plotlines you normally find in the rape/revenge subgenre. The difference is that this time the story is told in reverse; 15 minute (or so) segments at a time, starting at the horrific outcome and working backwards to how the ball was set in motion.

The whole rape/revenge idea has been many times before, more often than not coming off as sleazy exploitation. Gasper Noe's stylish direction and daring vision helps this rise above that level even though at times this movie does feel quite dirty. The opening (or is that conclusion - nevermind) scenes in the gay bar feature many acts of gratuitous sexual acts and the much debated eight minute graphic rape sequence is one of the most harrowing cinematic moments you're likely to experience. Even the violence in this movie is unflinchingly brutal, featuring a pretty nasty display of what else a fire extinguisher could be used for!

What makes this film so unique is ironically what also hinders it from reaching maximum impact. By telling the story in reverse, we're treated to what's normally the main conflict and its climatic resolution within the first half of the movie. After roughly the 45 minute mark we're left with what we should have already passed - the quiet build up and introduction. What started with a roar ends with a wimper. Even the sombre, semi-twist ending (well, actually it's the beginning - urrghhh, you know what I mean) isn't enough of a pay off after sitting and waiting for what has already happened for the the last half of the movie. Make sense?

In the end, Gasper Noe has to be commended for an uncompromising, visionary piece of work that for the most part succeeds. Disturbing, challenging, yet flawed, Irreversible is more of an experience than an actual movie. While all the damage is done by the time you're halfway through that experiece, those images linger long after they are over. (Derek Carlson, 5/16/04)

Directed By: Gasper Noe.
Written By: Gasper Noe.

Starring: Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel.