The Conversation
Francis Ford Coppola's provoking mystery-drama explores the morality of privacy and stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, expert surveillance man. A routine wire-tapping job turns into a modern nightmare as Harry hears something disturbing in his recording of a young couple in a park. He begins to worry about what the tape may be used for and becomes involved in a maze of secrecy and murder. Set in San Francisco, the film also features Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford and Frederic Forrest. Nominated for Best Picture of 1974, The Conversation was made between The Godfather and The Godfather Part II.
Member Reviews
"The robin goes bob- bob bobbin" - movie_goer
The Conversation is another great, landmark American film of the '70s. Making Francis Ford Coppola's great achievements as a scriptwriter before his direct debut of The iconic God Father trilogy.
The film serves excellent sound and picture editing, superb acting from Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford and Cindy Williams. Filmed on location in varies parts of San Francisco ravels and spins you into a deception and wonder in itself. The ending will blow you away- it's unpredictable and my new favorite old classic.The Conversation - oldmovies
It's exhilarating to follow an artist through his peak period, isn't it? While Coppola will always be remembered first and foremost for "The Godfather" and then "Apocalypse Now", this is a film from the same amazing period in his career (this was made between the first two Godfather films). Like the central protaganist portrayed by Gene Hackman, this is an inward looking and tense film that has a master's touch about it. While I hesitate to use the tired cliche that the themes of surveillance, paranoia, and distrust are as much or more important now than ever, I really think I'd do this film an injustice to not point this out as well. A vital piece of American 70s cinema and a no-brainer addition to your ZipList if you haven't already seen it.You Have an Eccentric Uncle Harry? - Stitch
If so, you may indeed appreciate and admire this superb contribution to the art film genre. The characters are finely developed, the cinematography is innovative and beautifully blended with the score to built a mood of disconnection, and Hackman is convincing as a depressingly aberrant personality. The balance of the cast are competent including a tiny unaccredited appearance by Robert Duvall. And a very youthful Harrison Ford does his very sinister best—but I think you’ll agree it’s not his finest hour.
Knee deep in metaphors and symbolism, it’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill thriller. Cannes naturally took it to heart and awarded a Golden Palm for best picture. The following year there were Oscar nominations in three categories but no awards. And in my opinion not unsurprising since here Coppola decided to indulge his artistic persona and refused to cater to broader audience appreciation.
Hackman as his dysfunctional technocrat is superb. And my bride pointed out that for her the suspense element WAS present...namely will he finally dare to commit to a human relationship and along the way intercede on the victim's behalf. The final scenes are artfully representative of the film’s heart and soul. This is one strange dude, but varying degrees of his affliction abound around us. A very perceptive interpretation of a fine distinction that few directors (or actors) could carry off.
The plot is dead simple, so much so you immediately suspect a rat. But the twist is very slow in coming and along the way it's more about personalities than events. And a great deal of attention is directed to the operative technology, an aspect that doesn't age well and will not contribute to the attraction for a contemporary audience.
In summary, a classic demonstration of cinematic craft that should appeal to admirers of same.
Member Reviews
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"The robin goes bob- bob bobbin" - movie_goer
The Conversation is another great, landmark American film of the '70s. Making Francis Ford Coppola's great achievements as a scriptwriter before his direct debut of The iconic God Father trilogy.
The film serves excellent sound and picture editing, ...The Conversation - oldmovies
It's exhilarating to follow an artist through his peak period, isn't it? While Coppola will always be remembered first and foremost for "The Godfather" and then "Apocalypse Now", this is a film from the same amazing period in his career (this was made between ...You Have an Eccentric Uncle Harry? - Stitch
If so, you may indeed appreciate and admire this superb contribution to the art film genre. The characters are finely developed, the cinematography is innovative and beautifully blended with the score to built a mood of disconnection, and Hackman is convincing ...