The Conversation

First viewing for Coppola’s The Conversation. Perhaps the conceit is too simple, but it’s beautifully executed. Many echoes (deliberate pun) of THX1138, most notably in Walter Murch’s brilliant sound design, but also the techno fetishism, the alienation, the pervasive surveillance (very prescient), the impact upon the protagonist’s humanity, the almost ambient sense of stasis (changing, not changing). I can’t help but think the alienation reflects the American experience in Vietnam among other things, the disaffection of post the immediate post 60s period. Seems like if the film were described too clearly, it might evaporate. Very impressive performance by Gene Hackman.

I was also reminded me of Cabaret Voltaire’s final release of the same name. I long ago sold off the double vinyl which never clicked with me, despite some effort. It’s now OOP and fairly expensive, but I’ve ordered a 2nd hand copy from an American Amazon reseller. I’m interested to see whether it will now make sense.