Review of The Conversation (1974) by Naische F — 17 Jul 2008

An excellently suspenseful and subtle work of filmic art. Coppola hadn't made, and still has yet to make a better film than this (except maybe for Patton, and don't bitch at me about the Godfather, it may be good but it isn't up in Conversation territory). Everything about this film sings of genius. Hackmann plays the role of his life, a man so adept at breaking into others' lives, yet so unable to live his own connected in any other way but secretly. The filming is absolutely superb, long sweeping shots contrasted with uncomfortable close-ups and surprise gruesome explosive action. The story is rivetingly fascinating and at the same time tragic and basically indicative of the levels of misery to which a person can descend. I typically watch a film again and again to really absorb it, but with this one I knew I didn't want to. I didn't want to watch it too much. I save it, and enjoy it from time to time.

If I could give a film more than 5 stars, this would be one on a very very very short list.