The Conversation

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The Conversation

PG

Released Apr 7, 1974

1h 53m

Mystery & Thriller

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Popcornmeter

93%

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135 Reviews

89%

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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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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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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

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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

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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

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Wael Khairy

The Cinephile Fix

editing and sound mixing used to perfection

Jan 18, 2025

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Megan Fisher

Loud and Clear Reviews

As pure thriller, The Conversation works masterfully, slowly involving the audience in figuring out its secrets, and it works on a second level as a moral tale, a study in guilt, regret and loneliness.

Jan 11, 2025

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Giles M. Fowler

Kansas City Star

To call The Conversation a thriller alone is about as accurate as calling Hamlet a revenge melodrama. Ideas ripple the surface of the film like tremors in disturbed water.

Sep 24, 2024

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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

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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

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Luke M

An incredible film for fans of character driven thrillers.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/25

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Bruce R

I'm giving it a fresh rating just because I think for the times, it was a good movie. But I had a very hard time staying engaged. I fell asleep a couple of times and had to keep going back. I realize movies back in the early 70's were a lot slower paced and relied a lot on exposition. That being said, really hard to say it wasn't boring. And I am in my 50's so it's not like I didn't grow up in that time. But, I love Gene Hackman and the ending twist was great. I probably won't watch it again unless I am having a hard time falling asleep.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/02/25

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helder f

A private investigator, having discreetly recorded conversations of a couple at the park, begins to wonder if they might be in danger. This is perhaps the first time he empathizes with subjects he has recorded. However, more significant developments are yet to unfold. The acting is commendable, and the music is enjoyable. While the pace occasionally feels a tad slow, the movie remains entertaining throughout.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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Audience Member

Excruciatingly slow and dated.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

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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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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: The Directors Company, American Zoetrope
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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