Review of A Pure Formality (1994) by Sarfaraz A — 13 Jul 2013

A Pure Formality (Una Pura Formalià) directed and written by Guiseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso).Starring Gérard Depardieu as famous writer Onoff and Roman Polanski as Inspector (sarcastically calls himself Leonardo Da Vinci).

Film opens with a gunshot pointed in the face of victim (camera), a heavy man (Gerard Despardieu) is running in dark night, under cats & dogs rain, breathless and desperate - picked up by the police after failing to show his identity, he is brought to shabby, unclean, leaking police station in the mid of forest. He is offered warm milk but spills it in the face of an old police officer and manhandles couple of them - until, Inspector arrives (Roman Polanski - his real name is not told in entire film instead he sarcastically informs suspect to call him 'Leonardo Da Vinci after the suspect presented himself as famous writer Onoff ). Inspector being a huge fan of Onoff could not recognize this man with shaven face. Film follows longer, irritating interrogation throughout the night about murderer of the victim.

American director M. Night Shyamalan has stated inspiration for his film 'The Sixth Sense' from this movie. A Pure Formality also inspired many others. It is worth watching film to see two great men together onscreen, Gerard (a brand name for French cinema) and talented master of suspense Roman Polanski. Their way of exchanging, dialogues show the huge impact on the plot of movie.

Although general audience might find the ending disappointing and yet for those who like atmosphere of eeriness and murkiness, should find this as a blessing. I think, movie takes too much of duration. Renowned director Guiseppe Tornatore offered us movies like Cinema Paradiso but A Pure Formalitty got away off his hand with too much missing to offer 'thrill-ride'.

I still give it fresh score for fully impacting duo onscreen i-e Gerard and Polanski.