robert-temple-1
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.
ana_kon1
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.
scroff
Having watched this movie for the first time in 1994 while at film school, I was struck by the elegant mixture of genres crafted into this film. For any film-maker wanting to prove his or her ability to engage and surprise an audience this film is a must. Most striking (apart from the unbelievable cinematography) is the conundrum like dialogue between characters and the inability as an objective viewer to discern who has the moral high ground until the director allows you such luxury. The pacing of dialogue, and the surreal characters that share the same space as foils to Depardieu and Polanski's characters, hark back to an older more energetic era of film. The performance from both leads should be compulsive viewing for all film students. For those not familiar with Guiseppe Tornatore's work, another must see is the internationally acclaimed Cinema Paradiso which is truly an outstanding piece of work.
cdngo
I watched this movie a handful of years back and absolutely loved it. The taut relationship between Roman Polanski's character and Depardieu's was enjoyable to watch. I only wish it was on DVD, as I'd love to see it again. Does anyone know if it will be coming out on DVD? Or who can I contact to push this along? When first seeing this film, I had never seen Mr. Polanski in front of the camera. Nor had I seen Gerard Depardieu in a more dramatic role. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I don't recall there being too many scene changes. Again, a very good film to watch. Maybe one day it will be on DVD.
