Police Review
Alternately fascinating and frustrating, Police is an imperfect film that nevertheless exerts a strong pull and leaves a solid impression on viewers. Director Maurice Pialat's semi-improvisatory picture is a film that frequently surprises, and even when those surprises ultimately don't enhance the dramatic narrative or inner logic of the film, the fact that they surprise alone makes them worth remarking on. One of Police's flaws is that it shifts gears radically about two-thirds of the way through, going from being an enthralling exploration of the workings of a police department in general and one fierce officer in particular to a psychological examination of that same officer's softer side. It's undeniable that the shift jars and doesn't really work, and that the final third of the film is far less satisfying. At the same time, one would be disappointed in Pialat had Police continued on the trajectory of its opening; it would be technically a better film yet ultimately less impressive. And Pialat is less interested in examining the inner workings of his characters than in letting their actions reveal layers of depth, so while the final third becomes a bit predictable in its intent, its method remains intriguing. The director is helped enormously by the powerful, rawly intense performance of Gerard Depardieu, whose innate animal appeal works beautifully for the character and whose finely honed inner emotional resources provide nuances that are to be treasured. Sophie Marceau is a great foil for Depardieu, and the supporting cast is lovely. Craig Butler, Rovi
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