This week we look at the 1971 action film The French Connection. We discuss Gene Hackman’s career and his place in history, the differences between the film and the real case, and director William Friedkin’s quasi-documentary shooting style for the movie. This leads into a discussion about authenticity in filmmaking styles, and how this has been used in recent films like Safe House, Chronicle and Act of Valor. Also, Alex gets really upset at one point, and James makes sure to crack way more jokes than this ultra-serious synopsis is letting on.
Episode 60: The French Connection and Authenticity
Here is the GQ interview with Gene Hackman that Alex discusses throughout the podcast, and below you will find the trailer for the movie that pisses Alex off, Act of Valor. Ugh.