The Formula (1980)

	Directed by: John G. Avildsen	AKA Die Formel COUNTRY Germany/USA GENRE Thriller/Mystery NORWEGIAN TITLE Den hemmelige formelen RUNNING TIME 117 minutes
	Produced by: Steve Shagan
	Written by (based on his novel): Steve Shagan

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Lt. Barney Caine	George C. Scott	½
Adam Steiffel, Chairman Titan Oil	Marlon Brando
Lisa Spangler	Marthe Keller	½
Dr. Abraham Esau	John Gielgud
Arthur Clements	G. D. Spradlin
Kay Neeley	Beatrice Straight
Helmut Kladen/Frank Tedesco	Richard Lynch	½
Hans Lehman	John Van Dreelen	½

Review

There seems to have been many interests involved in the making of The Formula, and they all point in different directions, making this an untidy and uneven, yet peculiarly interesting film. The direction, by John G. Avildsen (Rocky), surges the film forward as a classically structured political mystery thriller, with George C. Scott in an industrious lead role, whereas the story by Steve Shagan unveils scenarios and hypotheses that at the time of production could seem overly paranoid, but that in a contemporary light come off as alarmingly foresighted. Last but not least, there is Marlon Brando, operating, it seems, in a world of his own, apparently mocking both himself, his co-star, and the subject material, yet arguably drawing the right attention to his character. It is Brando who adds the satire to spice the film up, but next to the straight, realistic performances from Scott and Marthe Keller, it makes the film a dramatic paradox. The Formula remains thematically fascinating throughout, though the craftsmanship is uneven, reportedly due to Shagan and Avildsen pulling in different directions. There's no doubting the ambition of both men, however, and one cannot refrain from thinking that with a tad better editing and some subtler choices in a handful of crucial scenes, The Formula would have had a much better reputation.