The Conversation

The Conversation was done as something of a passion project by Francis Ford Coppola that he made right in between parts one and two of the Godfather franchise. Unlike his other films at the time, The Conversation was a stripped down, bare bones story that relied on a compelling central performance, a well-crafted story, and stunning cinematography rather than big-budget elements like elaborate sets and wardrobes. Gene Hackman plays a surveillance specialist named Harry Caul who begins to fear for the life of a woman he was asked to spy on. As the film progresses Harry's past begins to haunt him as he tries desperately to balance his professional career with his personal worries about the ethics of his occupation. As Harry becomes increasingly obsessed with the job he was asked to do, he begins to descend into paranoia and irrationality. Although the pace of the film is slow at times, it's a fascinating demonstration of the talent of both Coppola and Hackman. In the end, though, the real stars of the show are Bill Butler and Haskell Wexler, the uncredited directors of photography who gave the film its captivating look and feel. The Conversation is considered one of the great classics of American filmmaking, and with good reason. Though many would call it boring by today's standards, the film is quality cinema in its purest form: great acting, great plot, great direction, and stunning photography. Although it feels spartan in its presentation, anything more would just feel wrong.

The Conversation

PG, 113 Minutes

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Writer: Francis Ford Coppola

Score: 9/10 (I toyed with taking a point off for being somewhat boring, but that's more a problem with me than the film).

Watch this film if: You enjoy a film driven primarily by a single character's psychology, and that delivers plenty of twists and turns along the way. This film is also practically required viewing for those who are aspiring to be true cinephiles. Finally, it's worth watching for the incredible cinematography alone.

Don't watch this film if: You prefer the more rapid, action-driven pacing of modern films.