Trance (2013)

I think it is time to clarify the distinction between a 'reveal' and a 'twist':

- A reveal ends a plot. It is an essential part of a story, without which there would be no ending, no resolution of conflict, no catharsis … no end credits.

- A twist is an add-on, a luxury. It adds depth to a plot that is already finished, it makes Rashomon what it is - a device to change the point of view of the beholder and makes him/her see things in a different light, without altering what happened beforehand.

The ending to The Sixth Sense is a twist, because it has absolutely no bearing on the plot. It adds a new depth to the story, but it is not essential for it to work. Sure, it makes it a better story, but as audience we are satisfied with how the plot played out already. Our enjoyment of the story is enhanced, which is admittedly a subjective thing.

Noe Saturday Part 2: Irreversible (Or That Movie with That Horrible Scene in the Underpass)

It is very difficult to talk about a film with a scene so singularly powerful as that scene, which comes about 30 minutes or so into this mindfuckfest - the second feature of Gaspar Noe (and also the second part of the Noe Saturday): Irreversible.

That scene hasn't lost any of its power to shock. You try to avert your eyes, but your ears fail you. And by that time the scene is indelibly cemented in your mind. What's worse is, unlike what any other "sane" filmmaker would do, Noe's camera decides to take a breather for a while and fixates its gaze on that horrible act. No matter how many times I have seen it, I still find it incredibly disturbing.