THE FRENCH CONNECTION
The endeavours of two New York police officers to track the source of a large quantity of drugs from Europe and catch the elusive mastermind behind the operation, became one of the most exciting adventures in the history of cinema. An exquisite sample of great American 70s film and memorable for being non-negotiably nihilistic, “The French Connection” became William Friedkin’s greatest film. He renewed the crime genre, making it more realistic and authentic while also giving cinema one of the most jaw-dropping chase scenes of all time and winning five Oscars (Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Editing and Actor for Gene Hackman ).
USA / 1971 / COLOR / DCP / 104’ / ENGLISH, FRENCH
The efforts of two New-York police officers to trace the entry of huge drug quantities sent in from Europe, and arrest the – so far unattainable – mastermind, is the pretext of one of the most exciting adventures in the history of cinema. It is an excellent example of the brilliant American production during the ‘70s and is considered monumental regarding its non-negotiable nihilistic character. By introducing a more realistic and original context, the film renewed the genre of crime and gave cinema one of the most breathtaking car-chase scenes ever made. It won 5 Oscar awards (Best Picture, Best Lead Actor, Best Director, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Film Editing). N.S.
DIRECTOR: William Friedkin
SCREENWRITER: Ernest Tidyman
DoP: Owen Roizman
MUSIC: Don Ellis
EDITOR: Gerald B. Greenberg
PRINCIPAL CAST: Gene Hackman, Fernando Ray, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi
WILLIAM FRIEDKIN
Born on August 29, 1935, in Chicago. Fell in love with films when he first watched ‘Citizen Kane’. Has won numerous awards for his films, among which an Academy Award for Best Directing for ‘The French Connection’.
FILMOGRAPHY (SELECTED)
2011 Killer Joe
1995 Jade
1985 To Live and Die in L.A.
1980 Cruising
1977 Sorcerer
1973 The Exorcist
1971 The French Connection
