review by David Valkenet
The Conversation 1974
Watched Sep 06, 2012
David Valkenet’s review:
I can see why people love this film, and why it could well be Coppola's 'best' film, but it never hit me emotionally. It's beautiful and brilliant but not even Hackman's insanely spot-on performance effected me in any way.
Again (I seem to be saying this in every review), this could get better on repeat viewings but for now it's a cold masterpiece that I must learn to love.
Definitely watch it again in a few months time. I enjoyed it much more second time round.
What was it you picked up on the second time?
I just felt the escalating tension and paranoia of Hackman's character was something that I was tuned into more. On my original viewing, it was impossible not to be completely sucked into the sound elements of the film, so much so that I feel I missed a lot.
That's interesting. I'm definitely open for a rewatch in the hopes that the character will connect with me more. I understand the decision for Caul to play everything close to the chest, but it does cut down audience investment, or at least my emotional investment.