Depardieu leaves nothing to be desired in `Formality'
A dazed man (Depardieu) is discovered running down a deserted road in the middle of a thunderstorm without a raincoat or identification papers. He is taken to a backwater police station to see the inspector (Roman Polanski). He claims to be the famous writer, Onoff, who happens to be the inspector's favorite author. The inspector does not want to believe that the obese, confused and violent old man dripping water and mud on his floor is his idol.
The inspector attempts to disprove the man's identity using his knowledge of Onoff's life and works. Eventually, he is convinced that the man is in fact Onoff and the real struggle begins. As Onoff is interrogated throughout the night, he changes his story, contradicts himself and tries to play mind games with the inspector. The inspector utilizes brutality to gain answers; he is rewarded with a complete refusal to cooperate.
A clue to the film's theme is given in a quote from one of Onoff's books. "As years go by, painful memories accumulate. Memories drown men. So as not to die of anguish or shame, men are eternally condemned to forget the more unpleasant moments of their lives."
The confusion and frustration at his inability to remember the previous night's events are surpassed only by the incredible sympathy Depardieu's stellar performance evokes in the audience. There has been a murder near his house in the woods and he is the prime suspect. Unfortunately, the victim's identity is unknown as the face was deformed. The inspector just wants to know the truth, and, guilty or innocent, he will let Onoff go after discovering it.
His memories, as they slowly return to him, are quickly strung together to create a collage of images. This repeats as he remembers new things, with the new scenes added in randomly. This style of representation of thoughts is surprisingly realistic and effective.
Little details such as a mousetrap in a sideboard reinforce the symbolism of Onoff as a trapped and panicked animal. He occasionally erupts into erratic violence and attempts to escape. The animal symbolism is cemented when he breaks out of the station. He is discovered hiding in a tree by the officers after he has caught his foot in a steel trap.
The inspector and Onoff switch roles occasionally. The profound regard which the inspector has for him gives Onoff an advantage. He is used to respect and knows how to assert authority and he takes on the role of questioner to try to talk his way out of the police station.
The ending is completely unexpected and totally ingenious. I would venture to say that this precise subject has never before been explored in mainstream cinema, and will probably never again be done with such excellence. Though the film is in French, the subtitles are accurate and easy to read. The message of the movie is not lost in the translation. A Pure Formality is showing only one week starting Oct. 6 at Greenway Theaters in Greenway Plaza. To miss this film would be a pure tragedy.
This item appeared in the Arts & Entertainment section of the October 6, 1995 issue.
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