Irréversible (2002)

 

Events over the course of one traumatic night in Paris unfold in reverse-chronological order as the beautiful Alex is brutally raped and beaten by a stranger in the underpass.

If you reverse a maddening downward spiral, here's proof that it doesn't go upward; aside the two controversial scenes, this film (albeit directed with quite some talent) still emanates a so thoroughly nihilistic view of mankind that it feels superficial and unconvincing.

Halliwell*: "There is something so brutalist and miserablist about Noé's view of the world that it can seem ludicrous, but not here: with a ferocious murder followed by a vicious rape, both shown in all their horror, this can be a shattering experience that offers no hope for humanity."

Maltin*1/2: ""Controversial does not begin to describe this ugly, over-the-top rape-and-revenge tale, told in reverse a la MEMENTO, ...Graphically violent, even by contemporary standards, this glorified exploitation film features an extended rape sequence and brutal murder that's hard to stomach. Though gimmicky and repugnant, some will admire the film for its audacity." 

Deux jours à tuer (2008)

A man has everything he needs to be happy: a beautiful wife, two adorable children, friends he can count on, a pretty house in the Yvelines and money; but one day he decides to ruin everything in one weekend.

Intriguing personal drama, at first quite reminiscent of Chabrol's Que la bête meure, but soon the ending becomes quite predictable and replaces the initial gutsy impact with sentimentality.