In 2002, Gasper Noe's Irreversible caused walkouts at theatrical screenings (translation: it would have easily been the equivalent of an NC-17/adults-only rating). The feature is a dark, brutal rape-revenge drama with the (initial) gimmick of a narrative told in reverse-chronological order.
Early moments (also distinguished by a dizzying, twirling cinematography that would make any viewer seasick anyhow) convey police and emergency first responders at a hellish, decadent Parisian gay club called The Rectum. Leapfrogging back in time, one beholds a gruesome murder—easily one of the most shocking homicides yet depicted in cinema (and there are lots to choose from).
Story segments continue backtracking: a beautiful woman named Alex (Monica Bellucci) suffers a monstrous sexual assault and beating in a pedestrian tunnel. Further reverse progressions detail Alex's two very different suitors, happy-go-lucky Marcus (Vincent Gallo—who was Bellucci's high-profile offscreen love at the time) and the more cerebral Pierre (Albert Dupontel), and fateful choices that led up to the traumatic nothing-will-ever-be-the-same evening.
In this edition, Noe has re-edited and reassembled the story (with a slightly shorter run time) to present events of Irreversible reversed, ironically enough, in standard storytelling order. Now it begins with lengthy, full-nudity moments of passion between Alex and Marcus—contrasting agonizingly with the woman's subsequent, grueling, real-time sexual degradation and ordeal.
While the original Irreversible seems to contrast the different personalities of the would-be avengers—hothead Marcus out for blood, while Pierre demands they act sensibly and let the police handle things—the "reversed" edition adds emphasis on the differences of partners and questions Alex's choice of Marcus (who gives superior orgasms but seems incapable of fidelity) over the scholarly but boring Pierre—one that led to her destruction.
If prospective collection buyers have not gotten the message yet: Irreversible, in any order, is Not For Kids—or anyone who wants to maintain a positive view of humanity. But as an early landmark of international filmmaking in the 21st century, it is as hard an act to dismiss as it is to watch.
The Altered Innocence two-disk set (featuring both versions of Irreversible) can be used to supersede or retire earlier releases of the film, or it may introduce viewers to Gasper Noe's bracingly grim vision for the first time. Still, it cannot be emphasized enough to that this is powerful, transgressive material, guardedly recommended.