Review of The French Connection (1971) by Bryan W — 22 Dec 2008
A defining film of the era. The styles & the city may look 1960s but the attitude is all '70s cynicism (and this was pre-Watergate!). Hackman as Popeye Doyle is a true anti-hero. Gritty, grimy, untutored, jittery doc-style camera, uncomfortable racism, lots of raw energy.
Also the first cop movie to win an Oscar. Scheider was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor; I see his character here as a young Martin Brody from JAWS. Best Picture 1971, Hackman Best Actor, Friedkin Best Director.
A must-see.
This review of The French Connection (1971) was written by Bryan W on 22 Dec 2008.
The French Connection has generally received very positive reviews.
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