You ever been to Poughkeepsie?

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Guess who's baaaaaack? It's been a while, ya'll. I have no excuse, other than to say that I lost myself somewhere along the way, and this became a chore instead of a fun, creative outlet. But guess what? This is Trump's America now! Grab life by the pussy! Don't put parameters around your life! (I really hope you all know how much sarcasm is dripping from those last few sentences...). If you're not upset about the fact that you just read the word pussy (now for the second time) soldier on to find out how I feel about The French Connection.

Synopsis

William Friedkin's gritty police drama portrays two, tough New York City cops trying to intercept a huge heroin shipment coming from France. An interesting contrast is established between Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle (played by Gene Hackman), a short-tempered, alcoholic bigot who is nevertheless a hard-working and dedicated police officer, and his nemesis Alain Charnier (played by Fernando Rey), a suave and urbane gentleman who is nevertheless a criminal and one of the largest drug suppliers of pure heroin to North America. During the surveillance and eventual bust, Friedkin provides one of the most gripping and memorable car chase sequences ever filmed, which leads to a showdown between police and mobsters outside of the city. 

Fun Facts, compliments of IMDB:

  • All of the extras used in the first bar scene were real-life police officers.
  • According to William Friedkin, Gene Hackman had a hard time saying Doyle's racist language without cringing.
  • Cameras and equipment would often freeze during shooting, due to near freezing temperatures during the winter shooting in New York City and Brooklyn.
  • Roy Scheider (who plays Gene Hackman's partner in the film) was convinced he had lost the part as he stormed out of his audition. That, in fact, was the reason why he was cast.
  • The first R-rated film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, in 1971.

Ryen's Review - Meh

Ok, I'm just going to come right out and say it: I don't think this film should be included on AFI's top 100. Was Gene Hackman outstanding? Yes. Was the car chase totally epic? Absolutely. That being said, I feel like there are plenty of other "police drama's" that are better. An example, you ask? Well, honestly....The Departed. Now THAT is a "police drama" worthy of it's salt, IMHO...

Also, this film came out in 1971, and over the next 9 years, we were also introduced to masterpieces such as Jaws, Star Wars, Taxi Driver, Annie Hall, Rocky... (all of which are on AFI's top 100 list as well) so how on EARTH did this film make the list?! 

If you're a fan of the 70's, car chases, bar fights, drug smuggling, foul language and New York City, I have a feeling you'll enjoy this film. If you're not, steer clear - this one ain't for you, bud.