Review of The French Connection (1971) by Killin Ø — 29 Jan 2010

I hate it when people call films classics because when I sit down and watch them I am pretty much bored to tears but very rarely am I ever proven that a film that has that title is truly a classic and while this film is very good it isnt quite there as a classic.

The story is very good about a bunch of foreign drug smugglers and how two cops accidentally stumbled upon it and their obsession with the case. The acting is top notch from every one involved especially Gene Hackman, the intro of Popye has to be one of the greats, Roy scheider who has unfortunately passed away delivered a stunning performance and I am baffled why he also didnt get an oscar.

The action in the film is sparse I loved all the tailing scenes which brought the tiresome script to life and the famous car chase was one of things bout I was looking forward to but after everyone saying about the car chase in death proof being one o the best in cinema and thoroughly disappointed in that disaster I was a bit trepid about this ilms one but I was stunned at how brilliant it was and really deserved its status as one fo the great car chases of all time.

The films pace is slow but that actually helps you digest the story because you have to think about all of the clues like Popeye does which was really unique and I would love to se a little bit more. The film fails being a classic for that ending it was absolutley terrible and watching the special features you find out they never caught him which I understand but they couldve extended it a little more and maybe seen charnier back in france etc.

Overall a great film that is really let down by the sudden ending, a must see for crime thriller enthusiasts.