The Conversation (1974)

[CJohn]

Discuss

[Plain Old Tele]

This is one of the more understated and awesome movies of the '70s. I can't really say "underrated", because it routinely pops up on Top 100 lists (both film organizations and critics), but it gets overshadowed by the GODFATHERs and APOCALYSE NOW. It deserves to be in the same conversation as those movies.

[mattmav45]

Francis Ford Coppola will most likely always be remember for his Godfather saga, and for good reason. Ironically enough, in 1974 Coppola directed two powerhouse films, and it's a shame The Conversation has fallen by the wayside, to an extent.The basic plot finds Gene Hackman as one of the best buggers and security guys in the country. He ends up recording a conversation that leads him to believe that a murder may be carried out as a result of his surveillance.It must be noted that this is very deliberately paced, and likely not for everyone. It uses a fantastic score along with exceptional lighting and camera angles to convey a dark and foreboding atmosphere. It's the kind of film that envelopes you minute by minute, and draws you into its mood and tone.Gene Hackman in particular gives one of the more interesting performances of his career. The first half acts as a very deep character study into a private soul, and Hackman gives a low-key and poignant performance. One can easily see how his career has led to his devolution into a anxiety-ridden and paranoid individual. His career has seeped over to control ever aspect of his life, and he's having trouble holding it all together.This basic set-up leads to an excellent second half full of suspense rivaling that of a Hitchcockian thriller. The moral dilemmas presented here are very real, and lead to good discussion upon the conclusion of the film. At what point does moral responsibility override basic job duties? It is also worth noting that Coppola is a master at keep thing subtle, and it's refreshing to see deep themes and dilemma presented in ways that don't come across as heavy-handed lecturing.All these events lead to a downright electrifying and shocking conclusion. In fact, the ending constantly surprises you as top-notch suspense and even subtle horror take over. It just reinforces the very notion that the most powerful things in film will always be big ideas and themes.Simply put, this is a no-holds barred powerhouse for any movie fan. It features a director at the top of his game, and he shows just how masterful he can be at controlling his craft. Tension, paranoia, and suspense slowly build, and reach a fiery crescendo at the end that will stay in you mind long after the credits roll. As I type this, I've only seen this once. However, I have no doubt that this is the kind of movie that will improve with re-watches as more nuances and details are noticed.Long live Coppola and 70's cinema.

 

A- 

[luna]

great paranoia story though i thought it dragged a bit in the middle third.

 

B+

[Jack Nevada]

Boy, what a surprise. Really creepy and really, really well-directed thriller with a phenomenal Gene Hackman performance. The editing and the sound design were also top notch. 

Edited June 12, 2014 by Jack Nevada hates movies

[luna]

thinking back, i'd put the godfathers, apocalypse now and this all on about a similar level. all great (8/10-ish).