“Memories Can’t Wait” – Irreversible

A story that involves characters preparing for nightlife, speaking on the subject of interpersonal relations, engaging socially at a party, undergoing tragic happenstances, and committing acts of vengeance, might reek of simplicity, familiarity, and the unforeseen universe in which Woody Allen directs a “Death Wish” movie.  And how negative can it get when the film ends with two main characters getting arrested….OOPS, I forgot the mandatory SPOILER ALERT!!!!...or did I?

If one has ever heard about this visceral tour de force, it would not be without the fact that it proceeds in reverse order.  Unlike in “Memento” where ostensibly the viewer has memory depravation ala the main protagonist and a story that can proceed backwards chronologically with the end truly acting as the finale, here exists a narrative that seemingly does begin with the third act leading to the first act.  However what we truly get (after certain mysteries are resolved) is the prescience to see the “irreversible” actions the characters commit which lead them down the disturbing path they unknowingly take.  In essence, we helplessly see their fates.

Full of flowing camerawork with a gritty flavor, the film truly proceeds from hell to heaven; if you can get through the first half, you’ll be completely fine with the last. That’s not to say it’s easy; with a relentless centerpiece displaying a brutal sexual assault in one continuous shot, this film will make watching “Requiem for a Dream” like viewing “Telletubies”. This is not a film you informally suggest to the gal pals, the fam, the significant other, the church group; difficult to suggest watching it with anyone really, let alone YOU! It is a film you must be prepared for.

Some will argue that this film teeters on becoming utter cinematic trash with its flowing, nauseating camera work constantly examining the cultural gutter of Paris with displays of seemingly constant violence. Reportedly even a total of 200 people walked out of the premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, which may be due to the added effect of a 28khz sound that can be felt but not heard (said to cause a feeling of discomfort and is also associated with earthquakes). This appears to be all a part of director Gaspar Noe’s plan (who just recently released his first film since this, “Enter The Void”), giving the audience relief and peace eventually towards the end (beginning) of the film. Throughout we receive every emotion, and perceive a grandiose nature of the inevitable events that take place for these characters in one night.   

Calmer situations occur as the movie progresses, which seem to be in some instances lacking in vitality.  Overall the movie is truly unique and effective in driving home emotions.  This film may only ever have one viewing by me, but that does not detract its value; one may only be able to give it just that.