IMDb >
The Conversation (1974)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Conversation (1974) More at IMDbPro »
| Videos (see all 6) |
|
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Francis Ford Coppola (written by)
Release Date:
1974 (Japan)
more
Tagline:
Harry Caul is an invader of privacy. The best in the business. He can record any conversation between two people anywhere. So far, three people are dead because of him. more
Plot:
A paranoid and personally-secretive surveillance expert has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that a couple he is spying on will be murdered. | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Surveillance
|
Hotel Room
|
Neo Noir
|
Paranoia
|
Sound
more
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
Another 11 wins
&
11 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(42 articles)
Edward Woodward: A life in clips | Catherine Shoard
(From The Guardian - TV News. 16 November 2009, 9:38 AM, PST)
Edward Woodward: A life in clips | Catherine Shoard
(From The Guardian - Film News. 16 November 2009, 9:38 AM, PST)
(From The Guardian - TV News. 16 November 2009, 9:38 AM, PST)
Edward Woodward: A life in clips | Catherine Shoard
(From The Guardian - Film News. 16 November 2009, 9:38 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Privacy and Responsibility - A Conflicting Moral Choice
more (217 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Gene Hackman | ... | Harry Caul |
 | John Cazale | ... | Stan |
 | Allen Garfield | ... | William P. 'Bernie' Moran |
 | Frederic Forrest | ... | Mark |
| Cindy Williams | ... | Ann |
| Michael Higgins | ... | Paul |
| Elizabeth MacRae | ... | Meredith |
 | Teri Garr | ... | Amy Fredericks |
 | Harrison Ford | ... | Martin Stett |
| Mark Wheeler | ... | Receptionist |
| Robert Shields | ... | The Mime |
| Phoebe Alexander | ... | Lurleen |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
113 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono |
Dolby Digital (restored version)
Certification:
Spain:18 |
Portugal:M/12 |
South Korea:15 |
Brazil:14 |
Australia:M |
Finland:K-16 |
Ireland:15 |
Norway:16 |
Singapore:PG |
Sweden:15 |
UK:12 (re-rating) (2002) |
UK:15 (video rating) (1988) |
UK:AA (original rating) |
USA:PG |
West Germany:16
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Reportedly Gene Hackman's favorite movie in which he has acted.
more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Harry Caul is in the elevator, you see the woman come in and three buttons are pushed. After stopping on a floor, a cut back to the shot of the woman and only one button remains lit whereas two should still be lit.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007) (V)
more
Soundtrack:
Take Five
more
FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs "The Conversation" based on a novel?
Is it true that Francis Ford Coppola was a wire-tapper himself?
more
more (217 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Conversation (1974) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Blow Out | The Fugitive | Das Leben der Anderen | The Game | One Hour Photo |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb top 250 movies | IMDb Crime section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 classic is an ingenious, meticulous examination into the nature of voyeurism, as well as a harsh criticism of the deceitful morality of privacy. At its basic form, however, The Conversation is a film that carefully follows a man who is curiously trapped within his own secretive existence of solitude. Harry Caul is nothing more than an observer; we do not witness any noticeable personal interests outside of his profession, aside from his occasional musical performances. But notice how Harry is always playing along to another band (contrast this to the solo at the ending), and never performs for an audience. There is no audience for Harry, a man who is entirely absorbed within his occupation, and allows his neurotic obsession to control his personal relationships. Harry treats himself like he treats his clients, he divulges no personal information, displays no easily distinguishable characteristics, and remains blissful in his peaceful state of ignorance. Whenever he is not entirely engulfed within his work, Harry disappears into his apartment, satisfied with his general indifference towards any truly beneficial, active existence. Harry has thoroughly convinced himself that it is inappropriate to become involved in his client's affairs. After all, Harry's job is not to take responsibility for himself, or to investigate any potential consequences resulting from his surveillance intrusions. Harry's job is to take orders, display no personal interest in the content of his recordings, and deliver the results completely unconcerned for anyone's potential safety or security. It is only after Harry accepts his need to take responsibility that he is able to take interest in his client's mysterious, dangerous affairs.
As Harry slowly drags himself into the precarious business of strangers, the film's intentions become increasingly suspenseful and perplexing. Coppola maintains his deliberately methodical pace throughout the entire film; it is only through our imagination that we are capable of creating and perpetuating such a consistently fascinating atmosphere surrounded by a cloud of tension and mystique. The Assistant Director never physically carries himself as an intimidating antagonist; it is through the complexity of the film's plot and through the continual uncertain environment that we are able to associate this element with his character. Every person that carries himself in a convincingly dubious manner immediately becomes a potential suspect. Harry becomes compulsively obsessed with the fate of his client's targets, completely submerging himself into the substance of the recordings, looking for any potential details that might assist him in solving the mystery. Harry's investigation quickly becomes our task as well, as we begin to subconsciously observe and scrutinize each character involved. The beauty of Coppola's film is the fact that it makes its point by using the audience as proof of the inherent devious nature of privacy. The movie transports us into Harry's world, as we become infatuated with the secretive plot unfolding before us, and we desperately search for clues into the lives of the film's characters. Of course, after intense investigation, Harry ultimately comes to realize that he has violated all of the principles that he had once stood proudly for. Whether or not Harry ended up better off by becoming involved in the dealings of others is a completely subjective matter, but it is a crucial question that the viewer must ask him/herself.
The ending of the film is what interested me the most about The Conversation. The consequences of Harry's obsession become manifest through the destruction of his own privacy, his property and even his faith. Was Harry morally appropriate when he decided to intervene into the relationship and associations of complete strangers? Did Harry do the right thing by taking responsibility for his actions, and reaching out to help another in desperate need? These are the most important questions that the film ultimately asks its audience. The final shots of Harry perfectly capture the ambiguous mood of the film's finale. Harry is sitting alone in his stripped down apartment looking exhausted, humiliated, and defeated. But if you look closely you will realize that he is indeed playing the saxophone to his own beat, for a change. At what costs do we accept the need for our responsibility to others?