MovieChat Forums > Irréversible (2002) Discussion > How did this pass censorship?

How did this pass censorship?

posted 9 years ago by acehit
14 replies | jump to latest

This is definitely 'the' most disturbing film I have ever seen! Films are there to entertain and if we get a positive education out of it, it's always a plus. I actually like watching rape scenes in films, I get off on it but this was hard to stomach even for me!

For the first time while watching that scene, I nearly had a heart attack, in the end I just turned my head and switched the bloody thing off! Pushing that scene to the level that it went was completely unnecessary, I am not doubting that this scenario doesn't occur in real life, I am just saying it isn't necessary to portray it to that level of gruesomeness on film. This should either be banned, or the scene should've been edited to water it down. How on earth did it make it through censorship?

[–] CharmingAss_hole 9 years ago

It wasn't offered to a censorship board. Ergo, it could not have been censored. Those countries that wished for it not to be shown banned it, but the others nearly unanimously tagged it with an 18 rating which is the most restrictive they offer no doubt. The U.S. permits releases without a rating, which is the only avenue this film could have pursued. I disagree with you completely about the rape scene; that is probably the most accurate depiction of what attack-rape truly is that has ever been put to film, and it deserves to be seen to help the audience realize what that act realistically entails. It also purges the sins of her avengers in terms of narrative. Your instinctive repulsion is exactly what the director aimed to draw from you with that scene.

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f_uck yourself.

[–] acehit 9 years ago

I totally get what you are saying, my argument is I didn't have a problem with the actual rape itself, I had a hard time watching the kicking and the repetitive punches in the face. What is the director trying to tell us, that this kind of rape happens in reality? Whether it does, or doesn't what's the gain to portray that on film? To shock audiences and get a kick out of it!

The arguments to not ban this movie are justified by claims that it is obstructing the expression of freedom of art or whatever you wana call it, but this isn't art in my view, it's sickening.

[–] CharmingAss_hole 9 years ago

What is the director trying to tell us, that this kind of rape happens in reality? Whether it does, or doesn't what's the gain to portray that on film? To shock audiences and get a kick out of it!

Not likely. Time destroys all things is kind of the initial theme introduced in the first scene. The rest of the events of the movie ask the viewer to evaluate the moral complexity (or lack thereof) of the characters' actions within the framework of time destroying all things. The director chose to portray an act that is almost universally considered heinous to force the audience to make decisions about their moral composition and consider the philosophical implications of right and wrong as they maneuver themselves psychologically to cope with time destroying all things.

The arguments to not ban this movie are justified by claims that it is obstructing the expression of freedom of art or whatever you wana call it, but this isn't art in my view, it's sickening.

Well, good for you. Perhaps that's why you haven't been entrusted to make such pronouncements as to the definition of artistic expression. You don't get to decide what should be considered sickening and you'll just have to accept that.

Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f_uck yourself.

[–] aaron42o 9 years ago

It is sickening, but I don't think the director included the repetitive punches just so the audience could get a "kick out of it."

I believe these things are necessary to see because it is probably an accurate portrayal of what rape looks like in real life. One thing that irritates me immensely is when people (especially men) use the word rape so with a cavalier disregard, like, "Dude, I so raped you at Halo last night." As if a video game could compare in any way to the realities of sexual violence.

It would be interesting to see how people who use the word "rape" so flippantly would react to watching a 9-minute rape scene such as the one in this film.

[–] kakstin-270-41573 8 years ago

Exactly. The stark, horrific realism is the entire point, both thematically and in terms of "message" (if the film can be said to have any). To cut out the most explicit shots, as I believe has been done for U.K. release, would be essentially to water down the whole experience of the movie.

It would be interesting to see how people who use the word "rape" so flippantly would react to watching a 9-minute rape scene such as the one in this film.

While I'm not always one to jump to conclusions, I have to wonder if the OP is just such a person...

[–] alatartblue 9 years ago

I actually like watching rape scenes in films, I get off on it but this was hard to stomach even for me!

Am I the only one here who has a problem with that statement?!
In any case, I hope I never have to meet anyone like you in real life. You disgust me.

[–] acehit 9 years ago

Yes you are the only one that has a problem with that statement. In the words of the person that posted before you, "you do not decide what's considered disgusting or not" when it comes to other peoples fantasies. Movies are acted, they are not real life tragedies, so therefore it is acceptable for me to 'get off' on watching rape scenes in movies! Obviously I have a limit as this particular rape scene in this movie is too unbearable to watch for me, so if anything you should be disgusted at those who consider this movie acceptable art.

[–] Don_Cheech 8 years ago

He's not the only one that thinks that sounded weird. I immediately had to re-read to double check what you said. Majority of this worlds population would label you as a sicko for getting off on rape scenes. Don't fall victim to that sexual violence. It's an extremely dangerous vice. It's literally the common denominator between most serial killers. They get off on sexualized violence. Best example? Ted Bundy. Jeffrey Dahmer. Not saying you will become a serial killer - but eventually you might want to act out on your fantasies. Considering you get off on rape scenes - it might subconsciously be one of your fantasies. Careful what you say man. IMDb is one thing but I would suggest not saying that in public or to anyone you value.

[–] JudgeNotLestYeBeJudgeReinhold 8 years ago

No he/or she is not the only one. You're a pathetic little creep.

[–] reneecoomans 9 years ago

No, you are not the only one. I'm actually surprised that you're the first person to say anything about it.
I think the rape scene had the right effect if even a freak like the OP had to turn away.
Rape is no *beep* joke, nor is it hot in any way.

[–] hovee77 8 years ago

Ace hit gets off on rape scenes and enjoys them but has a problem with this films rating. Get your head fixed mate.

[–] kakstin-270-41573 8 years ago

If nothing else, he's seriously lacking a sense of irony...

[–] pdlussier1 8 years ago

What was the point of such a brutal & realistic rape scene?

Maybe to make you rethink this:

I actually like watching rape scenes in films, I get off on it

Your comment disturbs me. To think that Noé should water it down so you can enjoy it and 'get off' is missing the whole point.
Absolutely everything in this film, from the carefully crafted music, atmosphere, lighting, et al. is designed to disturb the viewer and portray violence as a sickening, misguided, and useless aspect of life (After all, did the actual rapist get killed?).
This film does not glorify violence nor render it stylishly sexy for your fetish pleasure. It forces viewers to react viscerally to the ugliness that is real-world violence. Why I think it's an absolute masterpiece, as with some Michael Haneke films which force us to seriously reevaluate the value of violence as forms of entertainment.

If you get off on watching rape scenes, then maybe that's because Hollywood has been portraying it all wrong for far too long, hence why you probably fantasize about it too to some degree.

If anyone gets off watching "Irréversible", then that's a clear sign that they're hopelessly desensitized or just sociopaths; either way, they seriously need help.

For those reasons, this is a rare 10/10 for me.

Ignorance is bliss... 'til it posts on the Internet, then, it's annoying.

[–] kakstin-270-41573 8 years ago

I can perhaps grudgingly concede something like "Straw Dogs," where the rape scene actually seems *calculated* to titillate viewers. Not my thing, to say the least, but if I blame anyone it's Peckinpah for playing into some twisted fantasy.

On the other hand, I would certainly recommend "Irreversible" to anyone who finds Hollywood-style simulated rape "sexy." If nothing else, it's a dose of reality that puts the fantasy into serious perspective.