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The Conversation

Play trailer Poster for The Conversation PG 1974 1h 53m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 140 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is hired by a mysterious client's brusque aide (Harrison Ford) to tail a young couple, Mark (Frederic Forrest) and Ann (Cindy Williams). Tracking the pair through San Francisco's Union Square, Caul and his associate Stan (John Cazale) manage to record a cryptic conversation between them. Tormented by memories of a previous case that ended badly, Caul becomes obsessed with the resulting tape, trying to determine if the couple are in danger.
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The Conversation

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Critics Consensus

This tense, paranoid thriller presents Francis Ford Coppola at his finest -- and makes some remarkably advanced arguments about technology's role in society that still resonate today.

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Critics Reviews

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Rex Reed New York Daily News It is a superior movie, a dynamic social document, and an exemplary public service. In every way, a Kilimanjaro among motion pictures. Sep 24, 2024 Full Review Pauline Kael The New Yorker The Conversation is driven by an inner logic. It's a little thin, because the logic is the working out of one character's obsession, but it's a buggy movie that can get to you so that when it's over you really feel you're being bugged. Sep 24, 2024 Full Review Andrew Sarris Village Voice Coppola never lets us in on any of the tactical details. Obviously, he opts for surprise over suspense, but even his surprises are muffled by his solemn gaze. Sep 24, 2024 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins This is nearly a one-man show, with Hackman giving an extraordinary performance as a conflicted soul whose personal beliefs, business ethic, and moral compass begin to unravel as he steadily uncovers clues about a mysterious, recorded conversation. Rated: 10/10 Sep 25, 2025 Full Review Andy Punter InSession Film The Conversation doesn’t offer neat resolutions. Its famous ending is a haunting tableau of paranoia consuming itself, leaving the audience, like Caul, surrounded by questions. It’s a film that demands reflection, provoking debate decades after release. Rated: A Apr 28, 2025 Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand ... a thriller directed in a minor key, with a richly textured soundscape of silence and ambient noise broken by hushed voices and electronic interference and a visual style that suggests a man alienated from the rest of the world. Apr 26, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Wes Maybe I would have appreciated it more if I was an adult back in the 70s. Boring. It’s interesting getting a look at 70s urban blight. Union Square became a big skate spot 20 years later. Movies like this are why Star Wars was such a hit and came at the right time. What a contrast! Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/26/24 Full Review Alexander Super boring. Francis made this after The Godfather and even explains in the mini interview that he did not screen it with anyone except for a few babysitters. Maybe he knew subconsciously that this is a terrible movie and couldnt stand any honest feedback. Waste of my time and money. I walked out less than halfway into it. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 08/18/24 Full Review Marco Q Technically impeccable, with an interesting plot and well-written characters, but despite this I have the impression that the film lacks something that makes it something more than a good Saturday night. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/12/25 Full Review Ed . In some films, everything is spelled out for you as if the director is using Morse Code like a horse with their hooves. The Conversation is one of those all too rare films of intelligence that doesn't sacrifice empathy. While the electronics are state of the art 1974, the story is an evergreen that will never be obsolete. Worthy of watching multiple times. Glad I watched again today. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/22/25 Full Review Richard S This is a psychologically dark movie - very introspective. I recommend it most enthusiastically - it's definitely worth watching - and I have several times. I'm never disappointed. Hackman is great in this very dark (but believable) role. You *really* don't want his job. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/08/25 Full Review Isa B Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 paranoid mystery masterpiece. Harry Caul lives a secretive, monotonous life. Coppola's subtle genius is shown in this film by the cinematography and sound design. Gene Hackman is terrific in this standout performance. I highly recommend this one. 100/100 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/03/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Conversation

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Cast & Crew

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Francis Ford Coppola

Director

Gene Hackman

Harry Caul

John Cazale

Stan

Frederic Forrest

Mark

Allen Garfield

William P. "Bernie" Moran

Cindy Williams

Ann

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The Conversation

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The Conversation

The Conversation (1974) The Conversation (1974) The Conversation (1974) The Conversation (1974) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is hired by a mysterious client's brusque aide (Harrison Ford) to tail a young couple, Mark (Frederic Forrest) and Ann (Cindy Williams). Tracking the pair through San Francisco's Union Square, Caul and his associate Stan (John Cazale) manage to record a cryptic conversation between them. Tormented by memories of a previous case that ended badly, Caul becomes obsessed with the resulting tape, trying to determine if the couple are in danger.
Director
Francis Ford Coppola
Producer
Francis Ford Coppola
Screenwriter
Francis Ford Coppola
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
American Zoetrope, The Directors Company
Rating
PG
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 7, 1974, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Aug 9, 2024
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$143.4K
Runtime
1h 53m
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