Review of The French Connection (1971) by Aidan H — 20 Jul 2011
The 1970s were a fertile breeding ground for tough, visceral cop movies and Willaim Friedkin's The French Connection is a masterpiece of the genre. Hackman and Scheider are both excellent as the brash but honest partners kicking asses on the streets of pre-Guiliani New York (brought out in all its grimy glory by Oscar-nominated cinematographer, Owen Roizman) and are ably supported by a cast of credibly-portrayed cops and criminals.
A stripped-to-the-bone script and editing style maintain the tension even during the lengthy stake-outs and, despite the film's advancing years, it still whitens the knuckles during the innovative and gripping car/train chase sequence.
Many films from this period have not adapted well to the passing of time. TFC isn't one of them: its still as hardcore as the day it came out, especially when compared to today's botoxed constabularies.
Gritty as they come, TFC gets all five stars.
This review of The French Connection (1971) was written by Aidan H on 20 Jul 2011.
The French Connection has generally received very positive reviews.
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