The French Connection

A tribute to director William Friedkin

At a time when cinematic landscapes are often adorned with extravagant effects and elaborate plots, The French Connection appears like a diamond in the rough, returning us to the very essence of storytelling. A spellbinding symphony of suspense, action and a relentless urban backdrop, this film redefines the crime thriller genre with its raw authenticity and breathtaking intensity.

Set on the ruthless streets of New York, The French Connection takes the age-old principle of cops versus crooks and weaves it into a narrative tapestry that is both refreshing and fascinating. The main plot revolves around a monumental shipment of pure heroin clandestinely concealed within the sleek confines of a late-model Lincoln Continental, embarked on a perilous journey from the bustling docks of Marseille to the heart of the New York underworld.

At the heart of this adrenaline-filled story is Gene Hackman, who pulls off a tour de force as a narcotics detective. Hackman's character embodies the film's philosophy, a relentless embodiment of law enforcement motivated not by grandeur, but by the pursuit of justice. His gritty portrait is a microcosm of the city itself - tough, unyielding and relentless in pursuit of its goals.

The palpable suspense that reigns in The French Connection is a master stroke of cinematic craftsmanship. Every scene is expertly imbued with tension, causing the audience's heartbeat to synchronize with the characters' pulse-pounding experiences. However, it's the underlying conditions of these moments that really resonate. The shadows cast over the city streets, the imminent threat hanging over every action, transform the suspense into an introspective journey into the depths of urban existence.

The highlight of the film is undoubtedly its meticulously orchestrated chase sequence, an electrifying ballet of automobiles and tension. This sequence alone is a testament to the film's craftsmanship, masterfully executed to leave viewers breathless and on the edge of their seats. Yet even in the most thrilling moments, it's conceded that this relentless pursuit symbolizes the larger one that consumes all the inhabitants of this metropolis - a relentless quest for survival in a city that gives and takes.

In a landscape where characters often take center stage, The French Connection takes a unique approach. While Hackman's character emerges as a personality in his own right, the supporting characters come and go in the city's avenues and alleyways, distant but integral to the story's tapestry. This dynamic not only reinforces the film's atmosphere, but also underscores the ephemeral nature of life in the urban jungle, where identities are often obscured by the city's omnipresent chaos.

However, it's important to acknowledge the film's minor imperfections. The excess of murders and the sometimes uncertain motivations of the antagonists muddy the waters a little. What's more, the omnipresent coldness that pervades the film, while reflecting its raw realism, sometimes threatens to eclipse the emotional resonance that could deepen the visual experience.

In a world of cinematic reboots and remakes, The French Connection is a bold exception. The convergence of Ernest Tidyman's gripping screenplay, Owen Roizman's captivating photography and William Friedkin's astute direction creates a symphony of visuals and emotions that transcend the screen. It's a cinematic triumph that invites viewers to explore the dichotomy of human existence within the relentless urban embrace.

The French Connection isn't just a film, it's a visceral journey into the heart of a city that shapes destinies and puts people to the test. It's a raw, unfiltered exploration of humanity's quest against a backdrop of chaos and uncertainty. As the credits roll and the echoes of the last shot fade, The French Connection remains etched in the viewer's psyche, testifying to the enduring power of cinematic art.

French Connection
Directed by William Friedkin
Written by Ernest Tidyman
Based on The French Connection by Robin Moore
Produced by Philip D'Antoni
Starring Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi
Cinematography : Owen Roizman
Edited by Gerald B. Greenberg
Music by Don Ellis
Production companies : Philip D'Antoni Productions, Schine-Moore Productions
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date : October 7, 1971 (United States), January 14, 1972 (France)
Running time : 104 minutes

Viewed on August 12, 2023 (video)

Mulder's Mark: