The Conversation is possibly the best example of Francis Ford Coppola‘s directing talent as it goes for something more subtle that his usual hugely bombastic ambition can’t distract from. There’s such an intense focus and purity on the writing and portrayal of this story that it’s one of the most flawless movies I’ve seen, even if there’s little for me to connect to personally. Gene Hackman IS Harry Caul. Also, Caul = call. Crazy!