The French Connection (HBO)

About The French Connection (HBO)

Directed by William Friedkin, The French Connection is an American action thriller movie released in 1971. This renowned film is based on Robin Moore's 1969 non-fiction book. It tells the tale of New York Police Detectives Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle and Buddy 'Cloudy', Russo (based on actual detectives), who stumble upon a drug smuggling operation involving French drugs for US money.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Philip D'Antoni under the banner of D'Antoni Productions. With a tight budget of $1.5 million, Friedkin uniquely used real locations, gritty filmmaking techniques, and unprecedented car chase sequences to amaze audiences. The movie was primarily shot in New York City, capturing the raw essence and atmosphere of the city.

Actors

• Gene Hackman as Detective Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle. Hackman brilliantly managed to portray the dogged determination of his character.
• Roy Scheider as Detective Buddy 'Cloudy' Russo. Scheider delivered an equally captivating performance as Hackman's partner.
• Fernando Rey as Alain Charnier. Rey played the French kingpin, bringing both charm and trepidation to his character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The chase sequence in the film is often touted as one of the greatest in cinema history.
• Friedkin would spontaneously shoot sequences on the streets of New York City without permits.
• Although the character Alain Charnier escapes at the end of the movie, in reality, the person he is based on was caught and convicted.

Awards

The film was a massive critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Hackman, Best Film Editing, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Quotes

• "All right, Popeye's here!" - Popeye Doyle
• "This is Doyle. I'm sitting on Frog One."
• "Did you ever pick your feet in Poughkeepsie?" - Popeye Doyle

Music, Soundtrack

• Don Ellis scored the film with a dissonant jazz soundtrack that was as groundbreaking as the film itself.