The Conversation (1974) Short Review

Surveillance has no end and no purpose

Short Review

The Conversation (1974) presents the implications of 1974’s surveillance industry in the life of an operator. It’s a story with regret and treason as the main topics.

This story ultimately demonstrates that surveillance only serves the interests of the powerful and brings ruin to everyone involved in it. The thought that “surveillance has no end and no purpose” other than to serve the interests of the powerful applies to the 21st century as well.

Highlights

Without giving any spoilers, what I like the most about The Conversation is:

• Integration of 1974 analog technology applied to surveillance into the story. There are scenes where the characters manipulate analog equipment, and this movie records the operation of analog machinery.
• Long takes and wide-screen cinematography, which amplify the story’s development.
• The progression of the story towards the main character fall out of grace.