I must admit that I haven't seen the film, and as such is in no real situation to comment on it. The reason I haven't seen it is that I know I wouldn't be able to watch the rape scene and therefore can't help having an opponion about it. I see your point. Films about rape should show it as the horrible thing it is. But I do not see why they have to show it so often? I've worked in a cinema myself, and often we'd have about three or four films at the same time involving rapes. You call irreversible brave bacause it shows this scene, and maybe it is, in the way that it makes it more realistic. But making films about rape is not brave anymore. It's done constantly. And it's done bacause at attracts people. The main group of cinema goers are young men. They are the target for the film makers. That rape is a popular thing is therefore a bit scary to me. On the surface, it is showing how horrible rape is. But I get the feeling that rape is becoming entertainment. People are used to watching rape now. Why not show more rapes of men? Or children, for that matter? Bacause it is taboo. It is not as accepted as entertainment, because it truly is horrible. But women getting raped? We see it all the time. Why is that necessary?
This is going nowhere. I'll just say that I don't appreciate anyone's films that market rape. If nobody wants to see it, it shouldn't be in there. It isn't a filmmakers place to be so naive as to assume what rape is like, and promote their version. We don't need shit like this in movies to show us how backwards society is, we have the evening news for that.
Is it not true that things have more impact when you only hint at them, instead of show them? Although, I admit a scene like this added to the tension of "Monster", only because it was a scene no longer than 10 seconds and it was an extremely distorted view of the act.
It fuels a plotline, and it wasn't gratuitous. Maybe you guys, when reading peoples opinions of how people think this is wrong, should consider out motivations for being so "anti-rape" in movies. We may be the ones that actually know the indignities, and don't feel it should get the Hollywood treatment.
"Is it not true that things have more impact when you only hint at them, instead of show them? Although, I admit a scene like this added to the tension of "Monster", only because it was a scene no longer than 10 seconds and it was an extremely distorted view of the act"
No, that is not true. Irreversibles rape scene was by far the most impacful scene I have ever witnessed in a film. You seem to think people enjoyed that scene, which is false. No one enjoyed watching it in any way shape or form. It was stark and brutal. I think more people should apreciate teh fact that it did try harder then any other rape scene in a film too actually portray it in a fair manner. Without any bells and wistles to try to dull it down and make it into an exciting event, like many other movies do.
I also find it silly that you suggest the film "markets" rape. This of course isn't true. The commercials don't go and say "watch this rape scene, you'll love it!!". In fact, it doesn't even mention a rape scene is in the movie, and we never see even a segment of it in the trailer. It just blindsides the audience with it. And it does a damn good job.
That being said, it is pretty well known that there is a horrific rape scene in the film, it even states on the packaging that there is graphic sex and violence. So I don't understand why you would see it knowing this, and knowing that you would get offended by it.
Also, you don't think the rapce scene in Irreversible fuels the plotline? I don't know what movie you were watching, but the story pretty much revolves around the rape scene and sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Anyway, your reasons for being so anti-rape is your own. But I still don't think that just because some people are offended by it that rape shouldn't be in films. If we took away everything that offended people in films, then there would be no movies at all, there woudl just be a person standing on screen drinking water for 2 hours. Yes water, because someone somewhere would probably be offended if he were drinking soda.
Entertainment doesnt equal fun. Its a movie yes, and rape is one of, if not the most, brutal crimes one can commit and/or suffer.
But its the same has The Passion of Christ, a movie where you see a man get beaten for 2 horas and some. Real movies (I'm not saying The Passion is real!) are necessary, to remind us and show us the world we live in. News isnt real anymore, unless you are reading the paper but that isnt seeing.
I'm going to watch this movie today, I've seen bits but cant really give an opinion about it.
Hollywood movies (some independent movies escape) do tend to be gratuitous and such but remember this is an french movie and European cinema doesnt try to be mainstream. So definitely not gratuitous.
Sorry it took me so long but I ended up only having time to watch it last night.
One word: Brilliant!!!
The camera work they use to tell the story and show us the desperation the characters come too is awesome.The story is brilliantly told with some of the most powerful scenes I have ever scene.Love the premonition details. So sutle (sp) its beautiful! The acting is great. One of my faves.
It's so mind boggling the way the tempo of the film changes in such a drastic manner from the beginning of the movie to the end. Shows how the world can be so horrible, yet so beautiful at the same time.
oh. by the by, Kes, speaking of Irreversible's use of violent imagery and Passion's, both were excessive, and i am surprised you didn't make a comment about the rape scene akin to this:
"just have the freakin' orgasm, and beat her, you idiot!"
plus, the rape isn't that shocking, but became rather boring, {clear throat} ironically.
Please keep those bits of information to yourself!
Dont compare the violence in this movie to the continuous violence in The passion. This is realistic (as in ppl do die or are in a comatose state because of it).The passion is fiction, no-one could sustain that. Plus its sporadic and it makes sense...some of the violence in The passion makes no sense.
Gender: Male Location: Huntington Beach, California
bah...it's $20! that's chump change. And you speak so passionately about it, i doubt i could dislike it. Besides, DVDs make SUCH better frizbeez than CDs...
Gender: Male Location: Huntington Beach, California
careful my eye....I watched it this weekend and this movie was fabulous.
It's sick n twisted and the fact that i was on drugs when i watched it didn't help any. I was pretty much part of the world they were in and i loved every minute of this movie. i loved watching that guy get his face bashed in after seeing what happened to Claude's girl. I found the rape scene very insightful and the part where the guy sees it and turns around was interesting to say the least. The rape in and of itself was bad, but the treatment afterwards was possibly the most interesting thing i saw. Really i can't give a review because it leaves you almost speachless....Great movie
hardest part was keeping up with the subtitles while watching the movie...The Passion's subtitles were atleast slow enough to read and you wouldn't miss any of the movie...
9/10
KMC Community Forums
Mar 26th, 2004 11:56 AM
You should never do that. Judging a movie is a personal thing. I recomend everyone to see it but buy it (if you decide too)after seeing it 
.
