I did a search and didn't find a single mention of this. I had been waiting for it to come out so I could see it and I finally got the chance when it showed up in OnDemand. I had seen the trailers and I instantly knew I had to see this movie.

Oh

My

God

*** POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW ***




What a ride that movie was. This movie was definitely not your typical Hollywood fare, it was very visceral and trippy. I completely lost myself in this movie and the character/characters. I found it very raw and unforgiving.

Many people will say this movie was pure crap. That the writer/director was only trying to make a pretentious art house pile of drivel. Trust me, nothing could be further from the truth.

I loved the cinematography and editing. It seemed to be one non-stop flowing stream of consciousness. There was very little scene breaks or large passages of time. I would compare it to riding a roller coaster about to derail, you are helpless to do anything but watch it to its conclusion.

Which leads me to character, which is everything this story is about. The way it was filmed, though some may disagree, you are always inside this character. This movie powerfully captured his passage from one state of being to the next. From life to death to in between and back again. Even the secondary characters were powerful and equally flawed, spiraling into their own worlds of chaos.

There will be many dissenting views on this film and I am surprised that it has not sparked hot debate. It will most definitely hit a nerve among christians or any form of religion for multiple reasons.

If your afraid of or uncomfortable watching anything that displays raw and intimate human behavior or interaction (yes, sex!), then this movie will not be for you. It is pretty no holds bar and while I feel that SOME of the scenes may have been gratuitous, it definitely was a necessary part of the story.

Some will not understand the abstract imagery, what anyone who has ever done  hallucinogens would call visuals. I have no idea how they did those, but they were truly amazing and very effectively used for transitions.

As good as I thought this movie was, there were a few things I didn't like. There were scene transitions that took you to different parts of the city. It would do this back and forth between characters and I felt it was over used. I think they could have done something more creative after the first few times the used it. The effect was cool, and you could tell they thought so too as it was so overused.

Anyways, enough blabbing for me. It will be interesting to see what others thought of it. I would really like to get my hands on the script to see just how this thing actually played out on paper.

John

So I have a question... Is this the best movie of 2010 or what?

Seriously. I haven't seen it yet and everyone's going to make a list when the Best of 2010 thread pops up at the end of the year. It's not too much to ask.

The one person I know who has seen this used one word to describe it. A word that I never hear anyone use to describe films: "extraordinary" (well, it was the french equivalent "extraordinaire").

This looks to be the Avatar of art films. Love it or hate it, Irreversible is a film that no one will ever forget. Gaspar Noe is a director who knows how to effect people. And it took him seven years to make this film. When it was playing in France, I was in the States. Now it's the reverse. I'm completely distraught. I even insisted my best friend see it without me just so I'd be able to experience it in some way.

So yeah. Best movie or what?

Great to see someone dedicate a thread to this although I refrained from reading JC's original post simply because I want to go into it knowing as little as possible.

Quoted from James McClung So I have a question... Is this the best movie of 2010 or what? So yeah. Best movie or what?

Stop it, James! Don't ask such probing questions, make up your own mind. Don't answer that, JC

This and Malick's "The Tree of Life" are my most anticipated films this year by a winding country mile. Unfortunately, I may not get the opportunity to see either in a picture house which I imagine is the only way to experience them.

Quoted from Colkurtz8 Stop it, James! Don't ask such probing questions, make up your own mind. Don't answer that, JC

Okay, I'll shut my trap. I'm just beyond stoked and super antsy about seeing it. It just has to be the best of 2010. The best film I've seen so far in 2010 features Jim Carrey as a gay con man; something is very wrong here.

A friend of mine went to Manchester from Liverpool to catch it last week and all he said to me is that he's going to see it again when it screens in the Pool. He also gave special mention to the opening sequence being particularly special.

And with that, I told him to say no more.

Quoted from James McClung The best film I've seen so far in 2010 features Jim Carrey as a gay con man; something is very wrong here.

-- Really? I haven't seen it but what about Inception or Toy Story 3?

I got a headache just watching the trailer.  Nearly had a seizure, I think...


Phil

Quoted from Colkurtz8 A friend of mine went to Manchester from Liverpool to catch it last week and all he said to me is that he's going to see it again when it screens in the Pool. He also gave special mention to the opening sequence being particularly special. And with that, I told him to say no more.

The opening titles are actually on YouTube although it seems like you'd like to go in as fresh as possible which I totally understand.

I will say, however, that after watching them, I can't possibly see this film on a small screen. My friend had a projector while we were roommates in college which we used to watch movies on. Unfortunately, it had the habit of overheating and shutting down after 45 minutes or so. I'm thinking we can get enough cool air circulation running, we might have to break it out again.

Quoted from Colkurtz8 Really? I haven't seen it but what about Inception or Toy Story 3?

I saw Inception twice. The first time, it blew me away. The second time, I found it lost a lot of its magic. It's still a terrific film though.

Toy Story 3, I haven't seen yet.

The Jim Carrey film is called I Love You, Phillip Morris and it was honestly a huge surprise.

Pretty sure Enter The Void will bury all three.

Quoted from James McClung So I have a question... Is this the best movie of 2010 or what?

To be completely honest my friend, I can not answer that. Nobody can.

"Best" by the standards of who? Some Hollywood number cruncher, perhaps a critic, or maybe even your best friend?

It is all, and I do mean all, subjective.

I guarantee that if you pooled 10 people into a room and asked for their "Best Movies for 2010" you would get 10 different list.

In my opinion, this is probably one of the better movies I have seen in quite some time. It has stayed with me a week later, haunting me. The only other movie that has done that to me in recent years is "Synecdoche, New York" by Charlie Kaufman, who I think is a genius.

I also though Avatar was nothing special, which brings us to the crux of the problem.

When anyone says that something is the "best" it is merely a subjective opinion based on the tastes of the observer. Sure, some will definitely agree with them, but... there will always be someone who disagrees.

John

Quoted from JCShadow I also though Avatar was nothing special, which brings us to the crux of the problem.John

Agreed.
I'll never spend another moment or cent on Avatar, yet would go to fair lengths to watch many other movies again and again with much less critical or fiscal acclaim.
The magnitude of Avatar's draw eludes me.

Quoted from JCShadow "Best" by the standards of who? Some Hollywood number cruncher, perhaps a critic, or maybe even your best friend?

Best by your standards. I'm asking your opinion, pretty much. Of course, it's all subjective. Who cares? When I'm talking about a movie I'm excited about, I'll use words like "best," like any other film buff.

Quoted from James McClung Best by your standards. I'm asking your opinion, pretty much. Of course, it's all subjective. Who cares? When I'm talking about a movie I'm excited about, I'll use words like "best," like any other film buff.

Yes... it is the best movie I have seen this year or maybe even in the last several years. I can not even describe it properly, but it affected me greatly.

*** Possible Spoilers ***



I suppose it has a little to do with the fact that I have done some deep research into some of the things in the film and some of my personal beliefs and theories come close to being mirrored in the movie. One instance is the subject of DMT and its natural production in the human body and its mass release at the time of death.


John

Quoted from James McClung The Jim Carrey film is called I Love You, Phillip Morris and it was honestly a huge surprise.

One of my favourites of the year too, A great film. I still laugh at the scene where we find out he is gay.

I want to see Enter the Void, not sure if it will ever be shown here at the Cinema, there is a French film festival here in June, I am sure I will have to wait until then.

I must admit there are ways and means of watching films like this at home and while it is certain to piss lots of people off, in a country like Australia there is often no other way to see films like this until it comes out on DVD. So most foreign films I watch tend to be downloaded and watched at home.

Quoted from JCShadow In my opinion, this is probably one of the better movies I have seen in quite some time. It has stayed with me a week later, haunting me. The only other movie that has done that to me in recent years is "Synecdoche, New York" by Charlie Kaufman, who I think is a genius.

I couldn't help skimming your post despite my righteous preaching above to James.

Wow, I'm really happy you've referenced Synecdoche, New York which was my favourite film of that last decade and has knocked me clean off my feet and reeling for days every time I've seen it. Kaufman is indeed what you say he is.

I gotta see this film, pronto!

Quoted from Colkurtz8 I gotta see this film, pronto!

While you're waiting, you should check out another movie I was highly impressed with. It is out for rent right now on DVD. It's called "Cold Souls" with Paul Giamatti, who I never get tired of seeing.

This was the first Gaspar Noe movie for me. I might have to check out his others if they are even half as good as this one was.

John

I actually got Cold Souls on my laptop off a friend but haven't watched it yet, he has recommended it to though but you know the dilemma "So many film so little time" I'll prioritise it.

You're a lucky guy having yet to watch Noe's other two features...or possibly unlucky who knows, they are not the easy films but exhilarating nonetheless.

"Irreversible" & "I Stand Alone" are both excellent in my opinion, especially the former which as James already mentioned. Love or hate them, the experiences will stick with you.

The only other thing I saw from him is a segment in the art film "Destricted" which is (as IMDb puts it) "A compilation of erotic films intended to illuminate the points where art meets sexuality" Very random stuff indeed with Noe's contribution being particularly difficult to endure.

Finally got to see this at Film Festival recently...

First off, Wow, what an experience. As one critic said, the camera literally goes where you haven't seen it go before. Technically speaking, it’s extremely innovative, daring and accomplished. Once again, Noe takes us on an experience quite unlike any other film I've seen, possibly ever. Whether that experience is wholly enjoyable or entertaining is another thing.

Without spoiling the film's story we begin as the main character's (Oscar) eyes, the camera is him essentially (down to the screen blinking occasionally) while later on we assume the role of (presumably) his soul as he floats about, switching back and forth between past and present situations with his sister, friends, clients, etc. Through these flashbacks and omnipresent device we get an idea of their intense brother/sister relationship, their turbulent, tragic history and the current state of their lives in Tokyo both before and after the central "event" in the film.

I don't want to give away any more of the plot instead just say that the visuals are truly amazing. One can see why Noe would pick the garish, multi coloured neon infused street of Tokyo to film this head scrambling trip. About 10 minutes in Oscar smokes a very potent drug DMV and descends into images and computer graphics similar to that of the itunes visualiser, moving to what seems like different parts of his body, the tendril, spindly colours and shapes representing (at least for me) different working organs, the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.

While the technical proficiency and visual impact of the film is unquestionable the plot’s pacing is rather plodding and slow at times. Memories are repeated time and time again to the point of tedium and considering I only saw a 2 hour cut, as opposed to the 154 & 161 minutes cuts (depending on the frame speed) I can see why some who saw those versions found it baggy, bloated and “difficult” to get through but that's not to say that I wouldn't like to see those versions once the DVD becomes available.

It’s definitely something that requires multiple viewings, there is a lot going on here and a lot to take in. I can see myself getting to grips with the actual story a lot more when I go back to it. Not that the story is overly complicated but I was frequently confused where we were time wise, I suspect it will hang together better next time as a single viewing left me disorientated and disjointed. Then again, I'd wager this is exactly what Noe was going for, Oscar is in purgatory, in limbo so we are too, confused, frustrated and ultimately powerless to alter the situations in front of us. Because if this, we become a spectator like Oscar, watching events unfold in a detached, aloof manner.

An acquired taste for sure, not perfect (on first viewing anyway) but certainly ballsy, brave and original. Moments of sheer beauty, sadness, frustration, insane drugged out sequences to graphic sex scenes, long silences and boredom. Tone wise it’s overtly depressing & nihilist , definitely not a date movie.

p.s The acting is patchy from Nathanial Brown but in his defence it’s his first film, however I thought Paz De La Heurta (Limits of Control) was superb and LOVES to take her clothes off

I recently got the chance to sit in on a screening of Enter the Void.
It was the 140 minute cut of the film.
I was technically entranced by the Noe's style and choreography.
There is so much bravado in his work, its quite impressive to say the least.
After a while though, the story really dragged for me.
Much of the second act is a retread of the first act.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed a shorter cut much better.
As it is, this is something to be truly experienced.
It got inside my head and I felt like I was traveling through my own brain at time.
I wonder how this plays while under the influence. =p

E.D.

I can't argue with the frustrated plot progression, Brett, it does seem to get caught in a loop but I wonder is this the director trying to evoke the feeling of being trapped in purgatory.

I forgot to mention the opening credit sequence, intense stuff. I loved the techno/drum & Bass inflected soundtrack too.

As for being under the influence, yeah, its definitely a "head" film, designed to arouse an intoxicated mind. I think it would be best to do your thing on the second or third watch though, you'd probably have a freak out if you went in trippin' on your first viewing. (sorry, I couldn't resist using that most appropriate emoticon!)

There is a very glaring reason why there is a lot of repetition in the movie (revisiting scenes) and its looping nature and it's plodding pace (well, because that's real life). It is ALL about the circle of life, death, and rebirth. He went from his life, to life review, to visiting family, to reincarnation, and I thought ALL these progressions were wonderfully filmed. I don't recall a sense of purgatory but of progressions of consciousness. There was definite parallels to "The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States" or more famously known as "The Tibetan Book of the Dead".

I got my hands on the screenplay and it is not like any screenplay I have ever seen before, most notably the format.

Does anyone know when it is supposed to hit DVD? I can not wait for future viewings. It is definitely in the top 5 movies for 2010, for me anyway.

Quoted from JCShadow There is a very glaring reason why there is a lot of repetition in the movie (revisiting scenes) and its looping nature and it's plodding pace (well, because that's real life). It is ALL about the circle of life, death, and rebirth. He went from his life, to life review, to visiting family, to reincarnation, and I thought ALL these progressions were wonderfully filmed. I don't recall a sense of purgatory but of progressions of consciousness. There was definite parallels to "The Great Liberation by Hearing in the Intermediate States" or more famously known as "The Tibetan Book of the Dead".

-- Yes, The Circle of Life & reincarnation concepts are indisputable, they are laid down within the first 20 minutes via a very, one could say, expository explanation of the book by Alex as they descend the steps on the way to the deal. That is undeniably the underpinning theme of the film. I don't know about the 154/161 cut but the closing shot of the 2 hour version was the camera (as it did in many instances when transitioning scenes) zooming into Linda's aborted embryo (one the greatest closing shots of recent times, in my opinion) which for me was Oscar deciding to break this chain, by entering an expired vessel, a void if you will. Naturally, this is arguable, that's just my interpretation.

Where I got an impression of purgatory was during the life review parts which make up the bulk of the film. Oscar's memories take on a looping pattern time and again, repeating significant moments of his past the i.e. the crash, their pact at a young age, Linda being taken away to separate foster parents and their promise to one another in the field when older (still unsure if this one really happened) this, for me, indicated an "in limbo" quality to his after life experience which was why he chose to enter the embyro at the end, like he was making the choice to bail out, he had enough. Why? Possibly he was being punished for his life choices, the dealing, the self inflicted abuse through narcotics the and his general amoral lifestyle. For the record, I thought Oscar was in essence a good guy but not exactly someone to bring home to the parents, he was outta his mind most of his waking life. I'm not saying this is a conctrete theory, of course its debateable. Again, the primary theme was circle of life and reincarnation but working within that framework I detected an element of entrapment also. Further viewings will define and establish my opinions more solidly.

Quoted from JCShadow I got my hands on the screenplay and it is not like any screenplay I have ever seen before, most notably the format.

-- Is there any chance I could get this off you, would love to have a look?

Quoted from JCShadow Does anyone know when it is supposed to hit DVD? I can not wait for future viewings. It is definitely in the top 5 movies for 2010, for me anyway.

-- I read somewhere around late January in the US and mid April in Europe. I too would have it in my top 5 easily, its a remarkable achievement on many levels.

I agree... I KNOW I need to watch this a few more times myself. I watched it when the IFC was airing it on cables "OnDemand" so I am unsure of what version I saw.

PM your email and I will shoot the script over to you.

Finally caught up to this one.  Not much one can really say about it.

If you're serious about film, see it, because it's utterly unique.  Just be prepared for an intense ride.

Atmospheric. The best way for me to describe this film. It's incredibly light on story, so Noe fills the screen with disorienting and quite often uncomfortable visions. The scene where the main chap's sister has sex is one such scene and the climatic scene needs no introduction. There's a place for these type of experiences in film, but it makes you think more about the art of filmmaking than it does the soul of the story.

Whilst Noe's work is undoubtedly important, his work is for filmmakers, up their arse arty-types and stoners, more than your average person. Nothing wrong with that, but it's what makes my favourites like Kubrick, Hitchcock, PTA, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg etc more impressive filmmakers - they tell stories as well as providing engaging experiences. Noe just gives us experiences and quite deliberately opts out of conventional storytelling. He has an incredible eye for an image and his back catalogue is a must for any writer/filmmaker.