The Conversation (1974)

Nominee

In this film there are two very specific components that standout. The way the thematics are integrated into the visuals of the film, and then just the sound editing in general.

Harry Caul, is a professional surveillance personnel, who is caught in a world of paranoia due to his inability to perceive what is reality. He is then placed into a specific job where he hears a conversation and knows that something is amiss, but what he hears and what is actually happening is always being questioned. I literally said out loud a number of times: What is going on? And that is not due to any fault of the story but is implemented quite intentionally and with great skill. Frances Ford Coppola lets us see just the right amount in order to keep us hanging on and then turns us in another direction. This is because the theme of the film is perception and film itself is a medium of perception. Between directing, cinematography, editing and sound a film makes us see, associate, and hear only what we are given and when it is done at an intricate level we can be purposefully misled. A job very well executed in this case.

Specifically in the sound editing. Through repetition and manipulation we are haunted by the recurrence of certain sounds and songs, but every time they are reintroduced into the narration they are given new meanings and urgency. This is truly the driving force of the suspense and excellent in composition.

If I have something to say it was (surprise!) the beginning was slow, almost to the point of losing my attention. However the ending makes up that ground.

Overall: This film is a tribute to the art of film making itself, showing its convolution and its influence on our understanding of a story. Make it through the first half and you will be rewarded. Happy Watching!