44 Films: Film 1 of 44 - "Enter The Void" (2009)

#44Films
Film 1 of 44
"Enter The Void" (2009)
Directed by Gaspar Noe

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Early in this film, a man is shot. Up to that point, we've seen the world entirely through his point of view; the world in this case being grim, but extravagantly neon-lit Tokyo. We've also been introduced to the young American's penchant for philosophical discussions and potent psychedelic drugs; even enjoying the experience of tripping out on a colourful high with him.

After the incident, our journey takes to the air and the rest of the story is told through incidents and conversations unfettered by space and time. We float around Tokyo indiscriminately and settle into the rooms, vehicles and even bodies of people who were involved in the young man's life. My description doesn't come close to the mania you'll experience while watching it.

To say that Gaspar Noe is indulgent and unrestrained is an understatement. He's the one who filmed memorably upsetting violence in "Irreversible", a film which just like this one, was as disturbing as it was endearing. But there's method to the madness. The film's excesses belie Noe's awareness of what his work can make us feel. He made an accurate exploration of the afterlife as we imagine it will be: mysterious, whimsical and horrifying. Be warned, that's exactly what this film is. And then some.

See the trailer below, and see you tomorrow!