The French Connection: Brilliant and Realistic
Satyaki Roy‘ reviews William Friedkin’s 1971 film The French Connection. We’re publishing this review in the series of shortlisted entries from DearCinema review contest.
The French Connection (1971)
Two New York City narcotics detectives after a highly skilled criminal, the chase sequences are of course outstanding. The most famous one, Detective Doyle in a car chasing the villain in a train, is an example of above all, near perfect execution of brilliantly far-fetched imagination. Often we see a film and realize that fortune played a big role in the different elements coming together well. That is not the case with The French Connection. Where it stuns you with its simplicity on the one hand, it hypnotizes with the final effect. What a film, I say.
The photography is exceptional. Again, slightly rough in places in terms of lighting continuity but beautiful all the same. Makes one think that those dips were necessary to tell the story well. I wonder how such a production would have unfolded. Immense logistical obstacles would have no doubt popped up. It’s a lesson in excellent production management.
What gives the film its genuine context is the acting. Hackman plays the ill-tempered racist cop to near perfection. The dialogue which stays in the viewers mind long after the film is over- ‘You still picking your feet in Poughkeepsie?’ Seemingly meaningless but crucial in building Hackman’s character and establishing the context. The villain is one of the best villains I have seen, resourcefully suave. The screenplay takes new meaning. All in all a fantastic action thriller.
A review of this film cannot be complete without mentioning the extremely realistic ending. The cops do not succeed. On the first hand they aren’t the typical all-powerful heroes. They have their share of difficulties in dealing with the system. A brilliantly realistic treatment, which makes this film a great film. Conventional film analysts may find many flaws in the film, but I will say till I die. This is one of the best films ever made.
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(4 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
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A very well written piece Satyaki, however, have some feedback for you:
You’re presuming everyone who’s reading your review would have seen the film. That might not be the case always..
So my suggestion–do try and incorporate, a basic plot outline….about the director etc…
You should also try to put forward arguments in support of the points you make….otherwise they’ll sound like hollow statements…
Good read. Good wishes!