Product: French Connection [VHS] (1971)
Rating: 5.0
Make The Connection
The French Connection is a gritty, tough and unapologetic film that is based on the true story of two New York City narcotics officers who scored the biggest heroin bust in history. Gene Hackman stars as the rough edged Popeye Doyle. Popeye is not above doing anything in order to make his bust, whether it be coercion or violent force. Teamed with his more leveled-headed partner Cloudy, played by Roy Scheider, they follow a hunch of Popeye's to the record bust. The movie is one of the ultimate cat and mouse thrillers as Popeye and Cloudy stakeout the Frenchmen who are importing the heroin. The famous car chase scene still holds up even thirty years later as one the greatest ever filmed. Mr. Hackman is incredible in the role of Popeye and the over the top blind rage and fury he brings to the character is perfect. Mr. Scheider is also great and his sanguine performance provides a nice contrast to the fiery Mr. Hackman. William Friedkin's grainy filming style perfectly captures the feel of the movie. Mr. Hackman won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Actor, Mr. Friedkin took home the Best Director Oscar and the movie won for Best Picture. After thirty years, The French Connection hasn't lost one bit of its power.