When I was a kid my dad used to let us, my brothers and I, watch some pretty adult-oriented films. One of his favorites, and by extension, it became one of mine was The French Connection. A film directed by William Friedkin., who is also famous for directing The Exorcist. My dad wanted me to watch Gene Hackman, who had an uncanny resemblance to him, as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle because he was a no-nonsense Irish cop. He didn’t take any crap from anybody. That’s what he and I liked about this character. The film had many more things I liked about it than just Hackman though.

Hackman’s Doyle and his NYPD partner (played by Roy Schnieder of Jaws and All that Jazz fame) are detectives who get embroiled in an investigation that deals with drug trafficking and smuggling. Their investigation leads them to dive bars, and everywhere in between. This film is completely filmed in and around New York City. When it was cheap to film there. The city was dirty and gritty like it has never been since. It was an eye-opening look at a place and time we’ll never see again.

The 70s had a style and grit like no era in film before or since. The dirt and grime added to the overall flavor of films during this era. The French Connection was one of the best examples of this. The streets were littered with trash and the gloomy sky and cold weather added to the atmosphere of what Friedkin was going for. Tough cops, tough weather, and a tough investigation. Even the language and sex life of the main character were key elements of this great film.

Every detail of this movie was important. Every conversation meant something. All the recordings had information the main characters needed to help further their investigation forward. Like all the great crime noir films of the past, The French Connection relied on the script to do its job. Which provide dialog that was integral to the overall story. Friedman used his surroundings and locations to good use. Even in a climactic car chase that is considered one of if not the best car chases in movie history. Which was filmed in real time and had no visual effects added to it.

Friedman had a sense of the camera. He had some amazing shots through windows and all kinds of different angles. The cinematography was brilliant. Even during the great car chase the cameras were there perfectly placed to capture every moment perfectly. There was a level of filmmaking in this movie I have rarely seen before. Everything on screen meant something and served a purpose. Every minute of screen time showed something important to the film. It shows why Friedkin is such a great filmmaker. 

There has been some controversy lately that has come to light. A few racial slurs in the film have been cut from digital versions of the film. That only serves to say that owning this film on physical media is important. I just hope future versions of the film aren’t edited like the digital versions. I own it on physical media and I’m glad for that. This movie like all others should be seen in its entirety not edited for vulgar language or anything else for that matter.

The French Connection is a neo-noir that is the epitome of what that term stands for. It takes from the classic noir films and adds a new flavor all its own. Friedkin and company carved a new path entirely on their own and created a masterpiece of filmmaking rarely seen before or since. The cinematography and score are like no other movie I’ve seen in my lifetime. This film has the greatest car chase which was filmed completely on camera and in real time. It’s amazing to watch. The story is a terrific mystery that will keep viewers glued to their seats from beginning to end. This is a great film no matter how you look at it. It will never be canceled in my eyes. Gene Hackman plays one of the best characters in film history. There isn’t anything I haven’t said about how much I love this classic crime drama.

5 stars

Dan Skip Allen