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The Conversation | Year: 1974 Classification: Drama Directed: - Francis Ford Coppola Actors/Actresses: - Harrison Ford - Robert Duvall - Teri Garr - Gene Hackman - John Cazale One of Coppola's finest hours Francis Ford Coppola made four masterpieces in a row in the 70's beginning with "The Godfather". The film was followed by "The Conversation", one of the best films of the decade. It was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and lost to "The Godfather Part II". The film stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert from San Francisco. One day, he records a conversation between two lovers which ends with the crucial words: "He would kill us if he could". Since Harry Caul doesn't know the whole background of these words, he fataly misinterpretes them. The film shows in a subtle and fascinating way that everything small is linked with a larger whole and things depend on each other more than we think. Another hint for that is also given during the conversation of the couple when the man says that when the newspapers went on strike, many homeless people died because it was too cold and they didn't have newspapers to cover themselves at night. "The Conversation" also works as a brillaint character study of a man whose live turned into a great sadness because of his profession. When he returns home on his birthday, Harry finds a present on the table by the owner of his appartment, but the only thing that bothers him is how she managed to get in there. He doesn't want anybody to know much about him, not even his girlfriend. Everything in this picture is just perfect. Coppola's direction and his original screenplay are both fantastic, as is Gene Hackman in the lead. Another standout is the sound by Walter Murch. Hackman somewhat reprised this role 24 years later in Tony Scott's "Enemy of the state". Just Because You Are Paranoid... ...Doesn't Mean You're Not Being Followed. Filmed and released between Coppola's masterpiece's THE GODFATHER and THE GODFATHER 2, The Conversation is a tremendous character study with teh flavors of a thriller. Gene Hackman, brings an incredible complexity and subtlety to his portrayal of Harry Caul. That performance and Francis Ford Coppola's direction and original script make this a film that is possibly more poignant today than during its original release, since the story deals with privacy and responsibility. Today, many of the feats performed by Caul as a surveillance operator, are available with most personal computers. Adorned with great characters, like John Cazale and Robert Duvall(both of THE GODFATHER), Cindy Williams and Harrison Ford in an early role as a Christmas Cookie baking weasel (both of AMERICAN GRAFITTI). But, its Hackman's story and his paranoia is evident from the get go. I believe it was the filmmakers intent for you to be left thinking when the film is over... they succeeded. The DVD is nicely restored with great sound design properly presented as well as a non-promotional mini-documentary and commentaries by Francis Ford and an editor. The Commentaries Embellish This DVD This is an excellent piece of filmaking. Very, very underated to date although many of the Amazon posts catch this piece of story telling. Like the parallel editing sequence that MADE the end of Godfather 1, really kill (pardon the pun) at least according to Robert Evans (The Kid Stays in the Picture)-it is interesting to note that this particular new editor of "The Conversation"-contributed alot of great ideas to the story as well as working on the sound mixing. FFC was off working on Godfather II, so perhaps the Editor has a little more freedom and time to work his magic. Funny-most of the workers of the young studio were non-union so he could not even be credited as a picture or sound Editor. Famous Director of Photography Haskell Wexler was "let go" by Francis very early on and replaced. This action gave the film a superior look, for the theme of the film. You have to love the retro vibe of all that electronic tape gear in the digital age we now live. The visual look is crisp and stunning. If you view this DVD-watch BOTH commentaries. The haunting piano melody over the DVD Menu and that appears throughout the story-is worth appreciation alone. I actually sat down and counted out both sets of machine gun triplets in what is a rather dreamy piece of solo piano. As many have said already-this belongs in your DVD library. And let's not forget the early work here of Harrison Ford-complete with scar on his chin; Cindy Williams; Robert Duvall and Teri Garr. Enjoy and relish. People ARE watching and listening. Even Gene Hackman's sax has "ears." Buy The Conversation at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Conversation Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Conversation This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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