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Isn’t it true that every cloud has a silver lining? Taylor Sheridan, the maestro behind the cinematic tapestry we know asYellowstone, earlier shot to fame through the keen edge of his pen with talented screenplays likeSicario&Hell or High Water.However, it was hisWind Riverthat weaved a web of neo-Western crime mystery so enthralling that it ensnares us with its relevance and thought-provoking narrative.
Sheridan’s adept incorporation of harrowing real-life crime input into this chilling tale lent it a gravity that cannot be ignored, serving as a grim reflection of society’s darker undertones. InWind River, we are introduced to Cory Lambert (portrayed by Jeremy Renner), a diligent game hunter, whose discovery of a young woman’s body in the desolate, frostbitten wilderness catapults us into a heart-wrenching saga of brutality.
The scene, which fans believe rivals even the visceral torment of Monica Bellucci’s r*pe sequence inIrréversible—a scene so raw it sent shockwaves through the audience.
Cinematic Disturbance:Wind Rivervs.Irréversible—What’s More Alarming?
How often does a film genuinely stir both your emotions and intellect? Enter the domain ofTaylor Sheridan’s proficient direction on themodern American West,Wind River.In the 2017 flick, Sheridan’s enthralling narrative ferries us into the icy terrains of Wyoming, presenting us with the harrowing reality of violence against Native American women.
The film follows US Fish and Wildlife Officer Cory Lambert, played byJeremy Renner, as he stumbles upon the body of a young woman who has been brutally r*ped and murdered. The film’s portrayal of this heinous crime is not for the faint of heart. A fan (via Reddit) has even compared it to the infamousnine-minute-long sceneinIrréversible, featuring Monica Bellucci.
The realism of the scenario and the tension leading up to the crime scene inWind Riverare masterfully drafted by Sheridan, leaving audiences shaken and disturbed. One-third of Native American and Alaskan women, according toThe Guardian, have experienced s*xual assault. Moreover, aCBSNews report details the shocking number of Indigenous women who have been murdered or gone missing in California.
That being said, Sheridan’sWind Riveris so relatable & devastating at the same time.
“It was like a semi-truck hit Taylor, and he went, Oh sh*t!”: Taylor Sheridan Was Not Ready For Dawn Olivieri’s Bombshell Transformation, Ended Up Making Her a Lucrative Offer
Despite its heavy subject matter, the film has garnered critical acclaim and box office success. With an 87% approval rating onRotten Tomatoesand a gross of $45 million against an $11 million budget (Box Office Mojo), the film has indeed solidified Sheridan’s reputation as a top-tier filmmaker.
The Artistic Intent Behind the Horror: Director Gaspar Noé onIrréversible
The Argentine-Italian director, Gaspar Noé, 60, has never shied away frompushing boundaries, and withIrréversible, he took it to a whole new level. And the infamous r*pe scene, which lasts nine minutes, is both excruciating to watch and impossible to forget.
In a chat withIndie Wire, when asked about the attention paid to this scene, Noé expressed frustration, citing his own reaction to a similar scene in Sam Peckinpah’sStraw Dogs.The former exited the theater and didn’t revisit the film for a decade. To quote him:
Yes, because I remember when I saw Straw Dogs by Sam Peckinpah, I walked out in the middle of the movie during the r*pe scene… It took me 10 years to rewatch the movie on VHS. Adrenaline fixes your memory.
He was of the view that violence generates “adrenaline”, which in turn fixes the memory in a way that more pleasant experiences do not. This visceral reaction is what he aimed to evoke in his audience.
The film follows Marcus (Vincent Cassel) as he attempts brutal retribution for the r*pe of his girlfriend, Alex, played byThe Matrix Reloadedstar Monica Bellucci. But what setsIrréversibleapart is its narrative structure: the story istold in reverse, starting with the aftermath of the revenge and working its way back to the attack.
Despite the mixed critical reception (59% approval rating onRotten Tomatoes), Noé’s film is unflinching and uncompromising, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of violence and revenge. Sure, for some,Irréversiblemay be too much to handle; it may be difficult to watch, but its impact is undeniable.
As Noé himself stated,“Violence generates adrenaline, and adrenaline fixes the memory”.And in the case ofIrréversible, that memory is one that stays with you, even after 22 years of its release.
Wind Rivercan be rented on Apple TV, whileIrréversibleis available on Prime Video.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
