Review of The Conversation (1974) by Chris B — 22 Jan 2012

What a prime example of what a terrific culmination of elements can add up to as a cohesive whole! Francis Ford Coppola's "The Conversation" is a masterpiece and while not as known or known as his Godfather films, nonetheless is a more personal and thought provoking film that presents us with a Director at his best.

Throughout the editing, the details are in place to make the film realistic and personal and really captures the essence of Gene Hackman's intricately detailed and isolated character. Not only does Gene Hackman give a beautiful and low-key performance that portrays his character Harry Caul flawlessly, but he does this so well that we are permitted into his scant and hidden existence.

The score by David Shire is wonderfully subdued and haunting but most importantly adds the sense of lonely atmospheric qualities to the dark and taut thriller, complementing it perfectly! While not holding quite the reputation of his other master works such as "Apocalypse Now" and The Godfather films, "The Conversation" is so personal and so haunting that Coppola gives viewers something just as important and timeless as any of the more popular works, if not more so!