A Pure Formality (1994)

Onoff is a famous 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 night, without any identification, ... See full summary »

Director:

Giuseppe Tornatore

Writers:

Giuseppe Tornatore (story), Giuseppe Tornatore (screenplay)

Stars:

Gérard Depardieu, Roman Polanski, Sergio Rubini

5 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Gérard Depardieu	...	Onoff
Roman Polanski	...	Inspector
Sergio Rubini	...	Andre, the Young Policeman
Nicola Di Pinto	...	Captain
Tano Cimarosa	...	Servant
Paolo Lombardi	...	Marshall
Maria Rosa Spagnolo	...	Paula
Alberto Sironi
Giovanni Morricone
Mahdi Kraiem
Massimo Vanni
Sebastiano Filocamo

Storyline

Onoff is a famous 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 night, without any identification, out of breath and running madly, without clear memory of recent events, the Inspector is suspicious. Through interrogatory dialectic, the head of this lonely, isolated, broken-down police station tries to establish what has happened, by delving into the mind of his writer-hero, and clearing up a mysterious killing.

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Plot Keywords:

suicide | surprise ending | fall from height | death | afterlife | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief shocking violence and momentary language

Details

Official Sites:

Sony

Country:

Italy France

Language:

French

Release Date:

26 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Pure Formality

Filming Locations:

Ronciglione, Viterbo, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$35,639, 29 May 1995

Gross USA:

$190,749

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$190,749

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cecchi Gori Group Tiger Cinematografica, DD Productions, Film Par Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

[repeated line]
Onoff: I'll take your advice and keep quiet.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Casper/Mad Love/Braveheart/Johnny Mnemonic/A Pure Formality (1995)

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Soundtracks

Ricordare
Music by Andrea Morricone and Ennio Morricone
Lyrics by Pascal Quignard and Giuseppe Tornatore
Performed by Gérard Depardieu

User Reviews

Excellent psychological drama with an unexpected twist.

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.