The Conversation

This week, we're tearing up the baseboards and getting funky on the saxophone as Gene HackMarch rolls on with a Coppola classic surveillance thriller that he snuck in between Godfathers. It's 1974's The Conversation, written, directed and produced by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gene Hackman, John Cazale, Harrison Ford, Allen Garfield, Cindy Williams, Frederic Forrest, Teri Garr and Robert Duvall. Needless to say, Hackman is terrific at the heart of an essential 70s paranoid thriller -- though is it really paranoia if you know your fears are true? His Harry Caul is a meticulous professional, a cunning and inventive man who is very good at his work having to reckon with the evil that work may bring in to the world. And can even the best spies really tell good from bad when they only have a piece of the picture? It's a great movie, and a first time watch for both hosts. Plus: J Mo's been to the theatre so we've got a full discussion of Mickey 17, and Hayley's finally captured her great white whale VHS tape. If you'd like to watch the movie before listening to our discussion, The Conversation is currently streaming on Criterion Channel at the time of publication (and can also be found in full for free on YouTube). Other works discussed on this episode include E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, When Harry Met Sally..., MouseHunt, Sneakers, Runaway Jury, Enemy of the State, Kraven the Hunter, Madame Web, Morbius, Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Outsiders, Megalopolis, Dog Day Afternoon, Practical Magic, The Lives of Others, and a last minute Corrections Corner on Crimson Tide. We'll be back next week to close out Gene HackMarch with our monthly canon consideration, as this month we induct The Royal Tenenbaums into the hallowed halls of the pod-canon. It is currently streaming on Disney+, Crave, and Starz. Until then, we'll see you at the movies!!