Take a deep breath, you cinefillic voyeur! Take a deep breath, sit down comfortably on your couch and think twice before you press play on your remote controller... Think twice since you are about to witness something that has never been seen before... Actually it has been seen later, but in much more unoriginal and uninteresting way. What you are about to witness in this movie is something between ON and OFF; you'll hear one of the greatest movie dialog ever spoken, you'll see thestunning performance of unbelievably excellent Polanski and surprisingly good Depardieu; you'll learn how the direction of the movie is supposed to be handled; you'll realize that you just THOUGHT that you know what is your life turning into... And finally, you'll find out the meaning of word MASTERPIECE.
42 Reviews
One Pure Cinema ....
ramsri818 January 2008
One word that can sum up this movie is Fantastic!!! The thing about this movie is I wasn't lucky like a few other people over here to watch this movie without expecting anything. I almost knew everything I needed to know about this movie even before I bought the DVD. The movie was a pure cinema in every sense of the word. I expect the movie to contain a decent story, good actors, a little bit of suspense, a little comedy (not mandatory) and a classic ending. This one provided me with all of these things and more. The movie is really a manifestation of some one's mind. The acting is uniformly brilliant. I know Polanski is a decent actor and I loved him in The Tenant, but here he is just pure Master Class.Gérard Depardieu is a legend in France and in International Cinema and he shows in this movie why is that. In a short summary the movie involves a person being questioned for staying out in the woods without any identification. When it turns out to be the Great Writer Onoff who doesn't quite remember how he came to that place. How the Inspector Da Vinci(Polanski) gets out the answer forms the rest of the story. Enjoy the movie except for one scene of crude nudity from Gérard Depardieu. That was scary!!!! I rate this movie 10/10 (inspite of Gérard Depardieu's scary back!!!)
Who Are You?
theairburns17 June 2009
Those who have seen Roman Polanski in his film "The Tenant" will not be surprised by his pitch-perfect acting in "A Pure Formality". Nor will they not exult in his masterful attention to detail that he is famous for (as when he moves a pan of water on the floor with the toe of his shoe as he stares eternally at the source of a ceiling drip).
There are a host of meditations in this film, and have no doubt that this film is pure artistic meditation. The one that concerns me most is the meditation on what constitutes identity, and I would guess that Tornatore might respond that it can be found in one's cosmic gift and calling, whatever that may be. The universal existential problem arises when we mistakenly believe that gift and calling and our very lives have everything to do with ego and all its vain pursuits.
There are a host of meditations in this film, and have no doubt that this film is pure artistic meditation. The one that concerns me most is the meditation on what constitutes identity, and I would guess that Tornatore might respond that it can be found in one's cosmic gift and calling, whatever that may be. The universal existential problem arises when we mistakenly believe that gift and calling and our very lives have everything to do with ego and all its vain pursuits.
Deeply strange
robert-temple-127 April 2013
This is an extraordinarily bizarre film written and directed by the immensely talented Giuseppe Tornatore, who is so well known for CINEMA PARADISO (1988), EVERYBODY'S FINE (1990, see my review), THE LEGEND OF 1900 (1998), THE UNKNOWN WOMAN (2006), and other films. He does not always get it quite right, as for instance with THE STAR MAKER (1995), which I thought misfired somewhat. In this weird, intense and claustrophobic film, Tornatore attempts to keep us on the edge of our seats for the entire time with suspense and tension, but it is only partially successful. The film stars Gerard Depardieu and Roman Polanski, who confront one another continually throughout the film in an interrogation situation, where Polanski is the 'Commissaire' (police chief) of an obscure place where it is always raining and the ceiling leaks, and Depardieu is the murder suspect. The film is shot in French, despite having an Italian title. DVDs with English subtitles are now very rare, and have become something of a collector's item, for those who want to collect it, that is! I sat through the whole thing and kept wishing Tornatore had pulled it off entirely, but both actors were incapable of the extreme, unrelenting intensity and the vast range of changing emotions required. There are moments when Depardieu is absolutely brilliant, especially when he becomes wistful. But the cascades of alternating confrontation and sympathy between the two men required greater masters of the acting art, and perhaps a more subtle script. Also, the film is deeply depressing and a real 'downer'. All that gloom and dripping water really gets you down after a while. Of course, the story has a profound explanation, the mystery is indeed deeply intriguing and surprising, and it all turns out to make perfect sense, and has a message as well. But to explain that would require discussing the ending, which is against IMDb rules. Anyone interested in Tornatore and his career needs to see this, as it is a one-off. The film is not recommended for light entertainment purposes. In other words, this is a film for cineastes, not for ordinary viewers. Of course, if you have a deep interest in Depardieu and Polanski as actors, you will need to see it, as they never did anything like this before, or since.
Interesting and solid but not excellent
Horror-yo30 May 2016
As to not reveal any spoiler about the film, I will just say it belongs to a very specific category in cinema and because it borrows so much from other pieces in what it essentially is, there is necessarily a drop in just how much quality could be attributed to it. Despite that, fundamentally it is different and brings together its very own flavor and works coherently with itself to deliver what it ultimately means in a way authentic enough. Depardieu is awesome in this, as always, while Polanski is at times quite mediocre but overall puts in a fair performance. These are the two main protagonists mind you, and the entire film happens through these two characters' consciences and the dialog they establish (which is very play-like in its rhythm and structure). It was a very tough task to write this film and with how very little there was to deal with as far as matter to fill a full length motion picture, this is remarkable work. It's a film all in subtlety, dialog though not without any events, atmosphere, tension, and serves as a palette of the various human emotions as they transpire through the exercise of maieutics. But yet, it lacks a certain dynamic overall in what it ultimately sets out to deliver and the film as a whole doesn't ring as memorably or as emotionally as the film should intend.
One of the Best films I've seen
bicgus121 December 2003
I must thank Imdb, because I would have never watched this masterpiece if it weren't for it's user comments. The film is indeed remarkable, in the style of Adrian Lyne's "Jacob's Ladder", and although it's the kind of film that needs a second watch in order to get everything together, and that I got everything together thanks to some user comments, I was astonished to see how it worked over my feeling as if another part of me had completely understood the plot with just one watch. Warning: you might feel somewhat sad when watching this film. Not the kind of feeling of sadness of typical films in which a boy gets leuchemia; I'm talking about a DEEP, REAL feeling about life. The actors, the words, the scenography, they are all WONDERFUL. All. Do not miss it.
Intriguing and stagy film with tour-de-force acting from Depardieu and Polanski
ma-cortes20 March 2023
Onoff (Gerard Depardieu) is prestigious and unsettling writer who hasn't published any new books for quite some time and has become a recluse . When he is picked up by the police one stormy , thunderous night , without any identification , out of breath and running madly, without clear memory of recent events, he only claims that he has a meeting with the Ministry of Culture on the next morning , but there's a murder and the chief Inspector (Roman Polanski) considers him as prime suspect , while a subordinate policeman (Sergio Rubini) writes on his typewriter the declaration of the accused . Through interrogatory dialectic , the head of this oddly sinister , seemingly timeless police station attempts to establish what has occured , by delving into the mind of his writer-hero, and clearing up a mysterious murder.
Essentially a stagey two-hander in which, in a lonely , isolated, broken-down police station , inspector Polanski interrogates the partly amnesiac Depardieu , who claims he's a famous author but who may in fact be responsible for a murder committed near the novelist's house . This is an emphatically methaphorical flick and full of thumpingly obvious symbolism . A deliciously sardonic and witty movie , being excellently starred by a magnificent protagonist duo ; both are the peak of their game in this dazzling yarn . This interesting flick is plenty of twists and turns and stunning surprises , made in similar style to classic ¨Sleuth¨(1972) by Joseph L Mankiewicz , including ordinary battle of wits . Splendid and fascinating performances , a real Tour De force for two stars . Tornatore's movie depends heavily on the two leads for effect , Depardieu's broader turn outshines Polanski's shrewd, sly acting , but even they can't distract from the twisted contrivance of the movie's threadbare central conceit .
This intriguing and suspenseful picture was very well directed by Giuseppe Tornatore . He even composed the song "Ricordare" for this film. In the years before his death, composer Ennio Morricone stated on several occasions that the only director he would consider coming out of retirement for would be Tornatore . He is a writer and director, known for making similar nostalgic films including good actors , such as ¨Malena¨ with Monica Belucci , ¨ The star maker¨ with Sergio Castellito , ¨Baaria¨ with Raoul Bova ; and ¨La Leggenda del Pianista Sull'Oceano" (original title) or "The Legend of 1900" or "The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean with Tim Roth . Being his English-language debut feature titled ¨The professor¨ with Ben Gazzara . Cinema Paradise . Rating : 7/10 . Better than average, well worth watching for exceptional cinematography , first-rate acting and Morricone's marvelous score .
Essentially a stagey two-hander in which, in a lonely , isolated, broken-down police station , inspector Polanski interrogates the partly amnesiac Depardieu , who claims he's a famous author but who may in fact be responsible for a murder committed near the novelist's house . This is an emphatically methaphorical flick and full of thumpingly obvious symbolism . A deliciously sardonic and witty movie , being excellently starred by a magnificent protagonist duo ; both are the peak of their game in this dazzling yarn . This interesting flick is plenty of twists and turns and stunning surprises , made in similar style to classic ¨Sleuth¨(1972) by Joseph L Mankiewicz , including ordinary battle of wits . Splendid and fascinating performances , a real Tour De force for two stars . Tornatore's movie depends heavily on the two leads for effect , Depardieu's broader turn outshines Polanski's shrewd, sly acting , but even they can't distract from the twisted contrivance of the movie's threadbare central conceit .
This intriguing and suspenseful picture was very well directed by Giuseppe Tornatore . He even composed the song "Ricordare" for this film. In the years before his death, composer Ennio Morricone stated on several occasions that the only director he would consider coming out of retirement for would be Tornatore . He is a writer and director, known for making similar nostalgic films including good actors , such as ¨Malena¨ with Monica Belucci , ¨ The star maker¨ with Sergio Castellito , ¨Baaria¨ with Raoul Bova ; and ¨La Leggenda del Pianista Sull'Oceano" (original title) or "The Legend of 1900" or "The Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean with Tim Roth . Being his English-language debut feature titled ¨The professor¨ with Ben Gazzara . Cinema Paradise . Rating : 7/10 . Better than average, well worth watching for exceptional cinematography , first-rate acting and Morricone's marvelous score .
I never forget this film
m_m-317 February 2006
It was a fantastic movie and it has a shocking ending. The performances was great specially Gerard Depardieu. It was one of the best mystery films after The Usual Suspects. And I think it should be in top 250 but it is not.
The direction was brilliant and you can not guess the ending. We can not forget the screen play all of It's words was amazing. All of the film is an investigation but you never feeling tired and I think the direction and screen play make it like this. You see this movie when you have an open mind because it makes some question in your mind. At last: I really enjoyed that and I gave it 10/10
The direction was brilliant and you can not guess the ending. We can not forget the screen play all of It's words was amazing. All of the film is an investigation but you never feeling tired and I think the direction and screen play make it like this. You see this movie when you have an open mind because it makes some question in your mind. At last: I really enjoyed that and I gave it 10/10
A pure bore
DennisLittrell30 June 2013
I watched this with some fascination waiting for something to happened. Nothing did. Since it stars Roman Polanski and Gerard Depardieu I stayed with it until the very end. The ending is a bit of a surprise. At first I didn't realize what had happened, but my subconscious mind worked on it and at three o'clock in the morning I woke up and realized what had happened. Consequently much of the mystery and confusion (in my mind) about the film was cleared up.
However my guess is that "Une pura formalita" will be for most viewers a very boring movie. Typical of many French films it is full of talk, talk and more talk like a Romer flick. Only difference is there is no sex and no female characters. In a way it's a guy kind of film like a war movie but without the action.
Polanski plays a police inspector. Call him Leonardo. Depardieu plays Onoff a famous writer who is suspected of murder. Polanski interrogates Depardieu. That's ninety percent of the film. There are some flashed-backed, indistinct scenes and some other police persons, in particular a young policeman pounding an old manual typewriter as the two leads talk. That's about it. Depardieu's character can't remember things. Polanski's character who, as it happens, is a big fan of Onoff nonetheless suspects that Onoff is lying.
There's a storm and a blackout and incessant rain. The old country police station leaks. Candles all about in the semi-darkness. Water drips down into bowls and cups. Still nothing happens. Finally we have the surprise ending. I say "surprise ending" rather than "trick ending" because it was foreshadowed and I should have seen it coming.
—Dennis Littrell, author of the film review collection, "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote"
However my guess is that "Une pura formalita" will be for most viewers a very boring movie. Typical of many French films it is full of talk, talk and more talk like a Romer flick. Only difference is there is no sex and no female characters. In a way it's a guy kind of film like a war movie but without the action.
Polanski plays a police inspector. Call him Leonardo. Depardieu plays Onoff a famous writer who is suspected of murder. Polanski interrogates Depardieu. That's ninety percent of the film. There are some flashed-backed, indistinct scenes and some other police persons, in particular a young policeman pounding an old manual typewriter as the two leads talk. That's about it. Depardieu's character can't remember things. Polanski's character who, as it happens, is a big fan of Onoff nonetheless suspects that Onoff is lying.
There's a storm and a blackout and incessant rain. The old country police station leaks. Candles all about in the semi-darkness. Water drips down into bowls and cups. Still nothing happens. Finally we have the surprise ending. I say "surprise ending" rather than "trick ending" because it was foreshadowed and I should have seen it coming.
—Dennis Littrell, author of the film review collection, "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote"
More here than many may think, or want to think
bpstraycat10 May 2007
Marvellous work. Demanding of actors, director and audience. The dialogue fills the screenspace, the performances of the two main characters are masterpieces of consistency. I enjoyed it from start to finish and I hope you do as well.
The director keeps ratcheting up the tension and letting it fall back using very few devices. It has the feel of a stage play, and would perhaps transfer very well to the theatre.
Although some accuse the director of over-complicating things, I find the whole to be satisfying and simple. The lack of clarity of the storyline reflects the confusion in Depardieu's head.
If you want non-intellectual action, this film is not for you.
The director keeps ratcheting up the tension and letting it fall back using very few devices. It has the feel of a stage play, and would perhaps transfer very well to the theatre.
Although some accuse the director of over-complicating things, I find the whole to be satisfying and simple. The lack of clarity of the storyline reflects the confusion in Depardieu's head.
If you want non-intellectual action, this film is not for you.
Intriguing discovery
BermudezLievano21 December 1999
I watched this film captured by the presence of Roman Polanski in the credits. The result was very intriguing. Through the reminiscences of famous writer Onoff (Depardieu) and the shrewd interventions of the Inspector (Polanski) the crime is effectively solved. The dialogue is exceptional, and both men's performances are quite good. Basically this is a very interesting and intriguing film, and fortunately not pretentious. Highly recommendable.
Not worth the rave
jstar6921 July 2004
i watched this after a recommendation, and after reviewing user comments on IMDb, although a little hesitant and skeptical, felt it would be worth a watch. My conclusion? a pretty mediocre film. although the dialogue was exceptional, the ending was pretty witty but a little disappointing. Throughout the film, the setting and mystery felt like it was leading the viewer to a more suspenseful and/or shocking ending, instead i sat there feeling cheated! My first impression was "Is that it??"
Having seen the Sixth Sense before viewing this film, i felt that it was a step back from Sixth Sense, although a Pure Fomality was done before it. Therefore the Sixth Sense surpasses everything that a Pure Formality is, with the exception of dialogue. If u want to watch a film about life and death without having the fuss of reading subtitles, watch the Sixth Sense; its more worthwhile!
Having seen the Sixth Sense before viewing this film, i felt that it was a step back from Sixth Sense, although a Pure Fomality was done before it. Therefore the Sixth Sense surpasses everything that a Pure Formality is, with the exception of dialogue. If u want to watch a film about life and death without having the fuss of reading subtitles, watch the Sixth Sense; its more worthwhile!
Excellent psychological drama with an unexpected twist.
ana_kon11 May 2006
This movie is one of the best psychological dramas I have ever seen. The unexpected twist at the end of the story will leave you shocked for many hours,may be days. Even though the story takes place in one place,and it is pretty much a play of two actors, those actors-Gérard Depardieu and Roman Polanski-actors of a world class, make it a powerful performance. The previous reviewer noted that "you expect it to get more and more tense as it goes along; unfortunately, that doesn't happen". That is true to some respect-movie lovers looking for some action may get disappointed. However, the brilliant, clever screenplay written by Giuseppe Tornatore will make you wonder and worry with the main character without even a clue on what was happening to him. This movie is absolutely brilliant. It will take a special place in my collection.
a simple story mystified
S.C.5 September 1999
Well, my first language is neither French nor English, so I d better make it simple. Technically, it's good. The shooting, the gaffer, the performance of the actors... all of them are good. The film does tell the story that the director wants to tell and it also creates the suspended atmosphere successfully. But should we expect more from a film? A great film must have not only good techniques but also ample contents.
Yes, the film's good, but you won't be able to remember anything about Onoff after u see the film. The characters are just too hallow and obscure. Coz it's too empty, the director must deliberately mystify the film. I believe many viewers will be misled at first and will think it as some kinda detective story.
Or, as the literature critics' cliche, its contents is its form?
Yes, the film's good, but you won't be able to remember anything about Onoff after u see the film. The characters are just too hallow and obscure. Coz it's too empty, the director must deliberately mystify the film. I believe many viewers will be misled at first and will think it as some kinda detective story.
Or, as the literature critics' cliche, its contents is its form?
This Movie should be in top 250.
nik_arh3 February 2020
You should not take the rating of 7.7 for this movie seriously. This was one of the greatest movies that i have ever seen and certainly with the best twist that i have ever witnessed. At the end of the day everything depends on a personal taste, but i find this movie much better than the most appreciated Tornatore's movie Cinema Paradiso.
Lured in
baunacholi-861599 March 2021
One room. One interrogation. One brilliant acting performance by Gerard Depardieu. Fascinating intelligent script! Mesmirising direction and photography.
imseeg5 September 2019
One room. One police interrogation of a suspect. That's all we get to see for 100 minutes on end and every minute of this intelligent script is mesmerizing.
One of the best acting performances by Gerard Depardieu of his career. Terrific role by Roman Polanski as well. Highly recommended for any Gerard Depardieu or Roman Polanski fan.Gripping photography and a subtle, yet powerful direction. Gorgeous soundtrack. All these excellent technical details combined, make this movie rise to a level I dont experience often. What a fascinating thrill to watch. I have still got goosebumps, while I am writing this review.This movie is truly one of the most delicate, mesmerizing experiences I have enjoyed lately.
Any bad? No. But a warning for those who might expect an american Hollywood detective movie. It is nowhere near it, thankfully! It is incredibly slowburning, intelligent, subtle, bleak and confusing. Best suited for the avid arthouse fans of intelligent, delicate dramas.
Endnote: please choose the original French language with English subtitles, because the audio synchronization for other languages is terrible, with constant visible lags in spoken words.
One of the best acting performances by Gerard Depardieu of his career. Terrific role by Roman Polanski as well. Highly recommended for any Gerard Depardieu or Roman Polanski fan.Gripping photography and a subtle, yet powerful direction. Gorgeous soundtrack. All these excellent technical details combined, make this movie rise to a level I dont experience often. What a fascinating thrill to watch. I have still got goosebumps, while I am writing this review.This movie is truly one of the most delicate, mesmerizing experiences I have enjoyed lately.
Any bad? No. But a warning for those who might expect an american Hollywood detective movie. It is nowhere near it, thankfully! It is incredibly slowburning, intelligent, subtle, bleak and confusing. Best suited for the avid arthouse fans of intelligent, delicate dramas.
Endnote: please choose the original French language with English subtitles, because the audio synchronization for other languages is terrible, with constant visible lags in spoken words.
Intimate little mystery
falconesque2 April 2003
I'll admit I channel-surfed into this gem. Click, and there's Depardieu, soaking wet and haggard, speaking French with English subtitles, in a lovely cluttered room...okay, I'm intrigued. (The room alone is enough to hold my attention; wonderful set dressing.) But moments later, the intrigue deepens. Who's that Inspector, so skeptical yet almost friendly in his interrogation? The actor looks so familiar. And his Inspector is nearly apologetic. Perhaps he's a fan of Depardieu's writer?
Boiled down to its essence, A Pure Formality is two guys talking, but I love two-guys-talking films. I was intrigued enough to avoid the listings and let the credits reveal Roman Polanski as acting the Inspector -- though he'd started his career acting, I'd seen only cameo appearances -- and his succinct performance dictates the pacing more often than not. You gotta like the guy, even though the Inspector's the antagonist to Depardieu's sympathetic and central point-of-view.
The film appeals to me as a writer, worrying if another eloquent phrase will ever flow, as a reader of mysteries and non-fictional criminal law (intertwining cluesmithing; you can keep the gory details), as a fetishist for the French countryside and language, and as a lover of libraries.
A Pure Formality is craftsmanship deserving a stellar DVD release.
Boiled down to its essence, A Pure Formality is two guys talking, but I love two-guys-talking films. I was intrigued enough to avoid the listings and let the credits reveal Roman Polanski as acting the Inspector -- though he'd started his career acting, I'd seen only cameo appearances -- and his succinct performance dictates the pacing more often than not. You gotta like the guy, even though the Inspector's the antagonist to Depardieu's sympathetic and central point-of-view.
The film appeals to me as a writer, worrying if another eloquent phrase will ever flow, as a reader of mysteries and non-fictional criminal law (intertwining cluesmithing; you can keep the gory details), as a fetishist for the French countryside and language, and as a lover of libraries.
A Pure Formality is craftsmanship deserving a stellar DVD release.
What Cinema Should Emulate
malczk11 February 2003
American moviemakers take note. Intriguing scenery, Beautiful cinematography and relevant dialogue make for a pleasurable viewing experience. This movie is actually worth two hours of your life.
I won't reveal anything about this movie to spoil it's effects. I will say that this movie is similar to a well-written short story, or as close as a movie can come to piece of true literature.
For the spoken language, in whatever form, see this movie. For the visual movie seeker, though this ranks highly in my esteem, the best I have seen is Aguirre Wrath of God.
I won't reveal anything about this movie to spoil it's effects. I will say that this movie is similar to a well-written short story, or as close as a movie can come to piece of true literature.
For the spoken language, in whatever form, see this movie. For the visual movie seeker, though this ranks highly in my esteem, the best I have seen is Aguirre Wrath of God.
Interesting Film
redrobin62-321-20731113 May 2020
This is one of those movies that, the less you know about it, the better the experience. That said, I'll avoid commenting about the plot and rave about the beautiful, clean cinematography, acting, and my favorite character in movies, rain. "A Pure Formality" is loaded with its calming sound, and to me, was worth the price of admission alone.
Praise for Polanksi and Gepardeau perfomance in "A Pure Formality"
bull10 July 1999
What an incredible work of cinema! Polanki's inspector to Gepardeau's suspect is a tour de force. The plot and ending was like a K.O punch from Ali. Cinemaphotography, excellent. It is one of the finest foreign films this cinema fanatic has had the pleasure to view. I highly recommend it..required viewing for Polanski watchers and made me a Gepardeau fan. Gave it a 10..high praise indeed.
Too Bad He Missed - A Pure Formality
arthur_tafero6 March 2024
This pretentious writer film is either a great piece of satire or a pretentious writer-geniis film about another overblown writer with writer's block. I really cannot stand films about writer's block. Whichever it is, it is entertaining to view, despite having to watch a member of the Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Gerard Depardieu fat boys club. Body-shaming is not PC; shame on me. I once did this with Shelley Winters, and had to retract all of my excesses with her reviews, as was the right thing to do. I retract this one in advance.
The story is vaguely interesting, and the direction and dialogue are nice and tight; much better than Tornatore's first effort at crime (The Professor). However, this French fraud of a great writer (he could not shine Voltaire's shoes) is not someone you can root for as a protagonist; the inspector, however, briiliantly played by Roman Polanski, is someone you could admire as a human being.
To be fair, Depardieu is also quite good in this film; it is his character that is unattractive. It makes for good viewing, but could have been better with a few flashbacks that were a bit clearer with the actual events that took place at the writer's home. Other than that, it is a decent mystery. Worth viewing.
The story is vaguely interesting, and the direction and dialogue are nice and tight; much better than Tornatore's first effort at crime (The Professor). However, this French fraud of a great writer (he could not shine Voltaire's shoes) is not someone you can root for as a protagonist; the inspector, however, briiliantly played by Roman Polanski, is someone you could admire as a human being.
To be fair, Depardieu is also quite good in this film; it is his character that is unattractive. It makes for good viewing, but could have been better with a few flashbacks that were a bit clearer with the actual events that took place at the writer's home. Other than that, it is a decent mystery. Worth viewing.
Not only Movie ,A WHOLE NEW WORLD!!!
yekayek23 January 2010
Not lots of people will understand this fully,may find it even boring, some might understand none of it,because its a work of unique ART created by the fantastic sight of the director,performances of depardieu and polanski.it doesn't get more tense as it goes along?! No,it seems unreasonable to do that,since every moment of this is more tense than anything you've ever felt in your life esp. the ending,I didn't think that it's a story about a crime not even for a second,its a story about the very being of each one of us. one thing the movie tries to tell us is that onoff somehow regrets what he has done,because he makes that call,that call that he would have never made in his life.now he finally understands what was the right thing to do and he doesn't even care that its too late to make that call! he is sure enough to go for it.
Top 5 of my life
cliffordlee7727 November 2005
Una Pura Formalita...One of the top 5 films of my life.........
The reason I include this film in the top 5 films of my life is because, it changed me. Really changed me. It showed me something about life. Something you can't learn about life by living life. Because what I learned about life from this film is BIGGER than that. A lesson about life that is BIGGER than the lesson you learn about life from LIVING life. Yeah, you read me right. You may know what I mean if you've seen "Far Away, So Close", and "Wings Of Desire", which is one story in two parts, and which is another film in my top 5 for the same reasons. Both offering an unlivelearnable lesson about life. I believe this is because we skim along in our day to day lives on the surface. And don't get too deep. Some films can, and do, focus us on a subject, and take us deeply into it, leaving us with a learning experience that stays with us long after. Like I say, some films DO go deep........but not THIS deep. And not on THIS subject. If you aren't similarly moved, either you slept through the film, or can't spell your own name, or I live in a dreamland, one. These are in the top 5 for me, for sure. I don't know what the other 3 are...hmmmmmmmm....maybe one of them is "The Last Picture Show"......yes.....that leaves two.
Clifford Lee Noble 26 Nov 2005
The reason I include this film in the top 5 films of my life is because, it changed me. Really changed me. It showed me something about life. Something you can't learn about life by living life. Because what I learned about life from this film is BIGGER than that. A lesson about life that is BIGGER than the lesson you learn about life from LIVING life. Yeah, you read me right. You may know what I mean if you've seen "Far Away, So Close", and "Wings Of Desire", which is one story in two parts, and which is another film in my top 5 for the same reasons. Both offering an unlivelearnable lesson about life. I believe this is because we skim along in our day to day lives on the surface. And don't get too deep. Some films can, and do, focus us on a subject, and take us deeply into it, leaving us with a learning experience that stays with us long after. Like I say, some films DO go deep........but not THIS deep. And not on THIS subject. If you aren't similarly moved, either you slept through the film, or can't spell your own name, or I live in a dreamland, one. These are in the top 5 for me, for sure. I don't know what the other 3 are...hmmmmmmmm....maybe one of them is "The Last Picture Show"......yes.....that leaves two.
Clifford Lee Noble 26 Nov 2005
Too Much Talk For A Murder-Mystery
ccthemovieman-120 April 2007
Most of the French films I've seen - and enjoyed - were more talk than action, but that's okay. I found them interesting, well-photographed and with intriguing actors. (However, I did at one point wonder if Gerald Depardieu was in every French film ever made! It seemed that way.)
This movie has the same interesting visuals and had a good opening. But then it became talk, talk and more talk....which is fine for a drama but not for a murder mystery. After awhile, I almost fell asleep watching this.
Actually, the film was more like a play with almost all the scenes played out in one room. Thus, if you love plays, you should like this...but I want a little more bang for a murder story.
This movie has the same interesting visuals and had a good opening. But then it became talk, talk and more talk....which is fine for a drama but not for a murder mystery. After awhile, I almost fell asleep watching this.
Actually, the film was more like a play with almost all the scenes played out in one room. Thus, if you love plays, you should like this...but I want a little more bang for a murder story.
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