Review of The Conversation (1974) by Andrew S — 06 May 2009
From a decade that overflowed with terrific paranoid thrillers, this is my favorite. In fact, it's probably my favorite movie, period. I could spend all night listing its virtues, so here are just five things plucked at random: (1) I love the way Coppola's camera mimics the aesthetic of a security camera, but in ways that turn the aesthetic into something expressive.
The desperate final shot is a great example; another is when we first see Harry in his apartment and the delayed movements of the camera perfectly express Harry's detachment from the world. (2) I love the way the movie is structured around the use of repetition.
It is especially significant in the conversation scenes, but is also used to great effect in quieter scenes such as the one where Harry tries to open up to Meredith and the camera expresses his stumbling yearnings by repeatedly making the same tracking shot.
(3) Harrison Ford's creepiness: why did he not play more villains during the rest of his career? (4) Hackman's moment of hesitation before he leaves Teri Garr and dooms himself to a lonely oblivion.
(5) David Shire's haunting score. Genius.
This review of The Conversation (1974) was written by Andrew S on 06 May 2009.
The Conversation has generally received very positive reviews.
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