Enter the Void Review
By David Kempler
Void
Gaspar Noé's "Enter the Void" annoyed me early and often. Even the opening credits were unbearable. Off the top of my head, the most ridiculous credits I've probably ever seen. But it didn't end there. Using flash and gimmickry instead of substance, Noé has created a carnival of inane, drawn-out images that probably resonated with meaning for some, but I saw everything as being visually dissonant. In case you are wondering, "Enter the Void" is a long shot to make my top ten films of the year.
Here's the story: Oscar (Nathaniel Brown) and Linda (Paz de la Huerta) have recently arrived in Tokyo. He's a punk drug-dealer. She's a stripper. Oscar gets shot and is slowly passing to the other side. Because he once promised Linda that he would always be with her, his spirit hangs around after his body has ceased to function. I admit that I like the idea. My problem is with the execution. Noé is of the opinion that since he has created a make-believe world, anything goes. Everything becomes nonsensical, albeit pretty. I will give him that. "Enter the Void" is very pretty, visually, but all of it could be the result of an LSD trip. In fact, at times it feels like you are on one. (Not that I would know, of course.)
It isn't enough that the story doesn't make much sense here so Noé strings together endless flashbacks just to ensure that you will not be able to understand what you are watching. Also, some shots appear over and over and they linger for upwards of 45 seconds at a time. During some of these scenes I found myself looking around at some others in attendance to see their reactions. Perhaps I was being too harsh. Their looks revealed nothing. Maybe they were hypnotized.
On the plus side, the last fifteen minutes is borderline hardcore porn, so if that's your thing, rent it and watch the last piece. It's the only part that I didn't find to be morally repugnant. If you wish to be bored, tense or both, I highly recommend "Enter the Void". If that isn't an incentive for you, you're probably better off staring at a refrigerator, wall or dead bug. It will be far more entertaining and probably more enlightening, as well.
