Even though I had no clue about what happened in this movie I loved it. I watched it with my fifteen year old brother and at the end of the movie he looked at me and said, "You're smarter than I am, can you tell me what the hell happened?". And to be honest, I was hoping that he could tell me. I usually dislike movies that take place during the night and all in one place but this movie has edge. It's a movie that leaves something to talk about after it's done because it makes you think. Everyone who watches it will have to put the peices together. Even though I got lost (and still am), I would definately recommend this to any one who is tired of predictable endings and would like to see a movie that leaves them asking "WHAT?".

I think the review by Leonard Maltin posted above is MORONIC! This is a masterpiece of film. Both Polanski and Depardieu are in top form and Tornatore's directing is tight and intentional but never over the top. His work here is at least on par with the skill he displayed in Cinema Paradisio, and overall this is an even more successful endeavour than that Academy Award winner. A brilliant piece of theatre (for that is what this film must truly be called) from a genius in modern film.

If you want to see a perfect movie -here it is! It's stunning. The brilliant plot still captures my mind. The story is beautiful although the main subject is a crime, certainly a suicide. This is the way cinema has to be made -there is no no excuse not to see and to love it. You should also see 'The Legend Of 1900` the last film of Guiseppe Tornatore, it is of course -in another way- magic, too.

I do not see why anyone likes this movie. It is boring and meaningless. The actors and writers I like for their other works but the story line is just too blase and banal.

This film touches upon a topic that is better depicted in "Lulu on the bridge" with Mira Sorvino and Harvey Keitel. I say better because the anguish of the central character in that film is juxtoposed more effectively against the desire for life and love.In Pure Formality one cares very little about the main character's misery (unless you happen to be a frustrated writer by profession) and the absence of a main female character makes the film that much less interesting and captivating.However, both Depardieu and Polianski are superb in their performances.

If you want to see a perfect movie -here it is! A Pure Formality It's stunning. The brilliant plot still captures my mind. The story is beautiful although the main subject is a crime, certainly a suicide. This is the way cinema has to be made -there is no no excuse not to see and to love it. You should also see 'The Legend Of 1900` the last film of Guiseppe Tornatore, it is of course -in another way- magic, too.