Review of The Conversation (1974) by Jhon E — 26 Feb 2011

The Conversation, this is my first non-Godfather/Apocalypse Now film from Coppola. Coppola has made some great films, but is now known for his ability to make mediocre films. Yet before he fell into this drought, he managed to make The Conversation, which makes this my first Gene Hackman film. This thriller delves into the use of modern technology and the effects it has upon the people, and these features are still apparent in today's society. Coppola also manages to bring some of his Godfather/Apocalypse Now cast into this one, including John Cazale, Harrison Ford and Robert Duvall.

The plot follows Harry Caul, a surveillance expert/private investigator. He is the best, no other man in his line of work is better. Yet not all is perfect, his social life takes the most damage. He suffers paranoia, knowing himself what can be used against him. He has many locks, empty apartment and never uses his home phone. Therefore, we open-up on a busy day in the park, buskers, and people having their lunch. Harry and his crew are trying to record the conversation of a man and a women walking through the park. Seems like an impossible feet, but he is the best at the work.

This is not the problem of the film though. In fact, this is the opening scene; he gets the sound he needs. It is what happens after where the film takes-off. We see his unsocial life. After he starts to clear-up the sound quality and so on, he cannot help but listen to it. Soon he starts to get involved with the clients business, what does this odd conversation mean?

Well as you have probably all ready gathered, this is a clever plot. It is also very different to Coppola's previous work. I also found the styles of direction very different, although he brought a rustic feel here as he did with Apocalypse Now. The Godfather also had a slight rustic feel, but otherwise perfect. This is also some of Coppola's most artsy work (not including modern work). The plot though, seems to go really slowly, not getting to deep into the whole conspiracy theory thing, which was a really great feature. We have no obligation to really keep-up with it as such, we just slowly follow Harry. It also is not a immediate goal of the film, if that makes sense. It does a few things at a time, with the mystery of the recording, just lingering in the background.

The acting, well I see why Gene Hackman is so well loved. This is a fantastic performance, perhaps one of the best. The greatest ability he has is not to over-act, but do precisely what is needed, and does not fall into to a typical 'loner' stereotypes, yet does it gracefully. The role is a sense is perfectly acted in method and really does make the film great. While the support cast is great, they actually have very little roles in the film, it is all mainly Hackman. Although a few of the support cast are just average, the Godfather/Apocalypse Now cast do great in their minor parts. So minor, Robert Duvall is not even credited.

The Conversation does not only make for interesting viewing, but also brings up many ethical questions. We must remember that this is not a science fiction. We also must remember this was made in the seventies. Yet he is capable of recording the voices of two people from a fair distance. So that makes us wonder, what can they do now? They can also tap the phones so easily, so do they listen to us? Maybe I am just throwing conspiracy theories at you, but it does make you wonder. It's the clear message sent through this film, have we gone too far? Well that is enough philosophy for today...

Overall, we have a masterpiece. The way the film is constructed, having mystery, but without shoving, it down your throat. Coppola makes one of his last masterpieces, and we see Hackman is a superb role. In the end, we have a film, which expresses the protagonist's paranoia, and sends a clear message to modern society. I would recommend to all Hackman fans, and just the fans of the seventies, and of course thrillers.