The Conversation - 7 stars out of 10

The Conversation - 7 stars out of 10

"The Conversation" is a work of art through its Hitchcockian cinematography and progressive revelation of information.  The supporting cast of the film does not provide much (with the exception of enjoyable appearances by Harrison Ford and Robert Duvall in small roles), but Gene Hackman singlehandedly brings the emotion necessary to create movie magic.  Coppola's story uses a seemingly emotionless character and hidden bits of a conversation to create intrigue.  As Hackman's frail emotional disposition is revealed, so is elusive part of the conversation.  The film moves at a slow pace but is worth the big pay-off in the hotel, providing a twist that will keep you thinking for the remainder of the film... until the last scene creates a bit of paranoia in your subconsious and sticks with you far past the conclusion of the film.