When The French Connection screeched into theaters in 1971, it blew the lid off police thrillers. Director William Friedkin (Shaft, The Exorcist) applied documentary film techniques to a gritty and realistic story and created something that has truly stood the test of time. Things that are cliche in cop movies now were invented here: worn sneakers, dingy buildings and the tense feeling of being watched by someone who just might shoot you at any moment.
The film focuses on New York City narcotics detective Popeye Doyle, played by Gene Hackman. He and his partner Buddy "Cloudy" Russo are assigned to intercept a drug shipment on the streets of Manhattan. It is a dangerous operation involving heroin that the criminals plan to bring into the United States from France. The movie is filled with startling violence, and it also features a great car chase scene.
While the characters are not well developed, the script by Ernest Tidyman makes it clear that Doyle is a man who has no regard for his fellow man. He does not hesitate to rough up suspects or use excessive force. But he has the competence and instinct to get the job done, and he is not afraid to go up against the top crime lord in town, urbane master criminal Al Charnier (Fernando Rey).
In a film that features so The french connection keep in touch much street realism, it would be easy to over-crank the atmosphere. The sleazy elements of the movie, which include the ubiquity of the f-word and the general gritiness of the environment, may turn off modern viewers. But it is a necessary part of the overall picture, which shows the corruption and sleaze that permeate many police departments and their employees.
A good cast and the tense stringy score by Don Ellis add to the film's success, but it is the acting of Hackman that is most memorable. The movie is a showcase for his abilities, and he takes the role to another level with his charisma and his strong sense of duty.
This is a classic film that has received the honors it deserves. Even though it has been copied so many times over the years, it still manages to deliver a lot of excitement and a thrilling car chase. The movie is a must-see for any fan of action and thrillers. It is also a good movie to watch with a group of friends. This is a fun movie that will leave you talking for weeks afterward. It is a movie that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
0 comments: