Review of Three Days of the Condor (1975) by Eric M — 19 Jan 2008
The first act of this is amazing: a taut and well-constructed conspiracy thriller that truly places the audiences in the mind of its paranoid protagonist. The final two acts, however, are bogged down with a convoluted storyline and inexplicable plot holes.
Why, for example, does Redford decide to randomly abduct and hold Dunaway hostage? Would she really go to bed with her captor after he left her abondoned and tied up in her own apartment? (Redford is a handsome man, but come on.
) Why is Von Sydow's character evil in the beginning of the film and not so evil toward the end? I love conspiracy thrillers as much as the next guy, but these glaring inconsistencies and contrivances prevent this from being the classic that some movie buffs claim it is.
Nevertheless, Redford and Dunaway give solid performances and have good chemistry together (even if their characters' relationship doesn't make any sense) and Pollack is successful at creating a tense, paranoid atmosphere.
Dave Grusin's jazzy score is a major asset as well.
This review of Three Days of the Condor (1975) was written by Eric M on 19 Jan 2008.
Three Days of the Condor has generally received positive reviews.
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