The French Connection is a gritty classic cop movie from 1971. A game of cat and mouse ensues between a tough New York City detective and a suave French drug smuggler. The car chase scene, one of the most iconic in film history, is heart-pounding and intense. Gene Hackman’s portrayal of Detective Popeye Doyle is unforgettable, a bulldog who won’t let go until he’s caught his prey. Raw, unfiltered, and thrilling, The French Connection remains a must-see for fans of crime dramas.
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Review
The French Connection – A gritty and unrelenting portrayal of the war on drugs.
Based on the book by Robin Moore, The French Connection is a 1971 film that tells the story of two detectives working in New York City, attempting to intercept a large-scale drug trafficking operation that originates in Marseille, France.
Throughout the film, the detectives are portrayed as determined and relentless, willing to do whatever it takes to stop the flow of drugs into their city. They use unconventional tactics, including wiretapping and disguises, to track down their targets and gather evidence.
William Friedkin directs this film with a keen eye for detail and atmosphere. It’s clear from the opening scene that he wants to immerse audiences in this world of gritty realism. New York City is not portrayed as a glamorous metropolis but rather as a dark and foreboding place where danger lurks around every corner.
Gene Hackman plays Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, one of the detectives assigned to take down the drug smugglers. He brings an intensity to the role that few other actors could match. Doyle’s single-minded focus on his mission is both admirable and frightening at times.
Alongside Hackman is Roy Scheider, who plays his partner Buddy Russo. The two actors have fantastic chemistry on screen, with Scheider providing a counterbalance to Hackman’s more erratic personality.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves Doyle chasing down a suspect through crowded New York City streets while driving a commandeered car. It’s an iconic moment that perfectly captures Friedkin’s vision for this gritty world.
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of The French Connection is its score by Don Ellis. The jazzy soundtrack adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to already intense scenes.
The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1971, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its impact can still be felt today, with many modern crime films taking inspiration from its style and tone.
In conclusion, The French Connection is a classic crime film that has stood the test of time. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking look at the world of law enforcement and drug trafficking in the 1970s. The combination of Friedkin’s masterful direction, Hackman’s intense performance, and Ellis’s jazzy score make this a must-see for fans of the genre.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 104
- Release : 1971-10-09
- Genre : Action, Crime, Thriller
- Cast : Gene Hackman as Jimmy Doyle, Fernando Rey as Alain Charnier, Roy Scheider as Buddy Russo, Tony Lo Bianco as Sal Boca, Marcel Bozzuffi as Pierre Nicoli
- Crew : Gerald B. Greenberg as Editor, Chris Newman as Sound, Kenneth Utt as Associate Producer, Owen Roizman as Director of Photography, Ernest Tidyman as Screenplay
- Popularity 19.18
- Budget : $1,800,000
- Revenue : $41,158,757
- Company : D’Antoni Productions, Schine-Moore Productions, 20th Century Fox
- Summary : Tough narcotics detective ‘Popeye’ Doyle is in hot pursuit of a suave French drug dealer who may be the key to a huge heroin-smuggling operation.
- Tagline : There are no rules and no holds barred when Popeye cuts loose!
