The Conversation (1974)

'The Conversation' is, sadly, a massively underrated masterpiece, coming in between Francis Ford Coppola's massively successful (and rightly so!) 'The Godfather' (1972) and 'The Godfather: Part II' (1974). This was always Coppola's most personal film, and certainly his most original and interesting. We are introduced to Harry Caul, portrayed wonderfully by Gene Hackman. Caul is a surveillance expert who eavesdrops on people's conversations for his employers, in this case, the elusive man known only as The Director. While he spends his days spying on others, he is constantly nervous and over cautious of his own privacy, and as a result, finds it very difficult to develop relationships with others, leading to very awkward sequences with characters. This is where the film becomes so fascinating to me. A sequence shows Harry trying to develop an intimate relationship with Amy, but is unable to because of his shy persona, creating a very awkward tension between the two characters. And yet the audience watches, we do not turn away, just like Harry does when recording his targets' conversations. Despite this, we expect privacy ourselves, and this is a message I find massively interesting and think this is what makes the film still relevant. This eventually leads him to trouble though as he becomes increasingly worried about the male subject in his last recording saying that he and his female companion may be killed if 'he’ gets the chance. The recording is interpreted in numerous ways by Harry as he tries to unravel the true meaning of this phrase whilst trying to avoid handing the tape over to The Director until he does so. The end is a shattering conclusion, and therefore allows the film to deservedly retain its cult classic status. The final shot is incredible, and truly is an inspired ending which leaves many questions unanswered and leaves the audience as confused as Harry Caul, and everybody feels sympathy for somebody who is subject to their own trade. This truly is a masterpiece which is highly relevant still even today due to its fascinating themes and truly unique and original plot.