The Inquisitor
The Inquisitor

The Inquisitor

1981Movie84 minFrench

Martinaud, an illustrious notary suspected of being the perpetrator of two horrendous crimes, voluntarily agrees to be questioned by Inspector Gallien on New Year's Eve. What initially is a routine procedure, soon becomes a harsh interrogation that seems to confirm the initial suspicions.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Director: Manfred PurzerGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

A wealthy industrialist living in the aftermath of World War II, his family, and his mysterious past converge when a determined historian begins to investigate his potential involvement in Nazi atrocities. The investigation unearths dark secrets and forces the industrialist to confront his actions and the moral complexities of his survival. The narrative explores themes of guilt, memory, and the lasting impact of historical events on individual lives.

Critical Reception

The film received a mixed to negative reception, with critics largely panning its slow pacing and convoluted plot. While some acknowledged the ambitious attempt to tackle difficult historical themes, the execution was often found wanting, particularly in character development and narrative coherence. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding the film inaccessible or unsatisfying.

What Reviewers Say

  • Often criticized for its glacial pacing and unclear narrative direction.
  • Praised by some for its attempt to engage with post-war guilt and historical reckoning, but found lacking in execution.
  • Character motivations and plot resolutions were frequently seen as underdeveloped or unconvincing.

Google audience: There is insufficient data from Google user reviews to provide a specific summary of likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

Robert Mitchum's casting as a wealthy industrialist with a potentially dark past marked a departure from his more typical tough-guy roles.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review