Review of The French Connection (1971) by Matthew D — 23 Apr 2018
The 1970s produced a plethora of superb crime dramas, but for a number of reasons The French Connection stands out as both an anomaly as well as a true seed of the era. Directed with a keen eye for grit and tension, Friedkin's best work is on display here, truly capturing the singular dynamic of New York for the film's riveting action sequences (perhaps the first crime film to do so since The Naked City).
That said, the film also has a European flair to it, and not just because it casts Luis Buñuel regular Fernando Rey as the enticing villain, but because it carries an ominous feel to it that feels closer to art-house than pulp.
While modern audiences might now scoff as the film's fairly-abrupt ending and the casual-racism, The French Connection is most certainly a type of film thats merits cannot be replicated today.
This review of The French Connection (1971) was written by Matthew D on 23 Apr 2018.
The French Connection has generally received very positive reviews.
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