The French Connection

William Friedkin, 1971 (7.8*)
Best Picture (AA)

Using a true story, Friedkin has created a believable story of a all-too-human narcotics detective, brilliantly played by Gene Hackman in his Oscar-winning role; this anti-hero, named "Popeye", could be insulting, rude, even racist. The story involves his chasing of a heroin smuggler that becomes his own personal Moby Dick. Roy Scheider had breakthrough as his partner, but the star is probably the Oscar-winning editing and directing of a massive chase scene, probably the best one in any picture up to that point, certainly the prototype for those that followed. It’s a tight and exciting police story, if that’s all you want; down a couple of stars for me because it doesn't have much heart. 8 nominations, 5 Oscars, including picture, director, actor.