Re: the end. I was convinced he had gone mad and was hallucinating. But the phone call from Harrison Ford right in the last few minute seemed to confirm that what he had seen was reality. (or at least that there was something evil going on). Very odd.

Also, you correctly state that “The Conversation” is influenced by “Blow-Up,” the former an “ethical” detective story, the latter a metaphysical mystery. There is, however, also DePalma’s “Blow-Out,” with its title referencing the Antonioni film but with its sound engineer protagonist delving into an aural mystery as does Coppola’s character in “The Conversation.”

Aside from that what I really loved was the whole idea of wiretappers in general and how they were portrayed in this movie. They’re often eccentric guys that build their own equipment for their own needs. I’m a computer hacker. No, I don’t steal credit card numbers or deface websites, but I do spend my time trying to make computers and software
do things other than what they were intended for. I’ve built my own equivalents to Harry’s little box powered by a 9 volt battery (the one he used to finally isolate the phrase “He’d kill us if he had the chance”) and I totally related to the wiretapper’s convention since I’ve gone to hacker conventions myself and it’s almost the same thing.

These guys were the hackers of the 70’s. From Bernie Moran’s little gadget that turned an ordinary phone into an ambient mic to Harry’s picking of the hotel room lock. These were the guys I’d have hung out with had I been born thirty years earlier. And the technology!! The “top of the line” mini reel to reel that Bernie used to record Harry’s conversation with the convention babe (can’t remember her name). Harry’s three tape recorders daisy chained together to make one decent track.. Awesome! I loved it!

I won’t keep rambling Michael, but I just wanted to say thanks for reccomending such an awesome film. This one’s definitely worth buying and having in my collection.

I enjoyed your piece on The Conversation. Another film that relies
on sound as a key character is THX-1138. I liked this film the first
time I saw it and in some ways I’m glad it is out on DVD as the
Directors Cut. I fluctuate between regarding the original cut as the
definative version of the film and admiring and championing the new
version with its enhanced scenes. Is it right to improve on the
original just because we can with todays technology, I suppose it is
but the purist and modernist in me are always arguing : )

I’m not keen on Star Wars but THX-1138 and American Grafitti (great
soundtrack) are two of my favorite films. SW gets a bit too
self-perpetuating, I dont know why the Wachowski Bros didnt think that
one through before they made the Matrix sequels.

Keep up the great work.

Steven

Listening to you on G’Day podcast, and visited your site.

Very impressive… love the way you are breaking this down by movie.

I really enjoyed your ‘cast of The Conversation. I was aware of podcasts through dvdtalk.com but yours is only the second one I’ve listened to. I’m sure that the New York Times article will be bringing a bunch of newbies like me to your site.

Thanks also for the link to Lost on Mulholland Dr. link: http://www.mulholland-drive.net/ I help fund the site and I provide content. I will be sure to mention it to the webmasters (past and present, the people that really do the hard work).

One suggestion. The obvious reality of your comments on The Conversation is to discuss the film but not spoil the film for those who have not yet seen the film. This works quite well with discussion of Walter Murch’s role as well as the importance of sound and sound editing to the film (which I have a passion about) but less so when actually discussing plot points. Perhaps it might be worth trying an ‘advanced points’ last (in the ‘cast). So, after a general review and other housekeeping points you wanted to make on the ‘cast have a ’stop point’ where people know that beyond this is stuff for people that have already seen the film.

That way those that have already seen the film can hear more robust points about the film without hurting those that have not.

ctyankee

I’m not sure how clear that was so check your TV guides! I hope that someone will find that useful and i’m looking forward to the next podcast.

Keep up the good work Michael!

Neil

Glad to hear you enjoy the show. Great to know we have listeners in China. Thanks for the comment.

Dicky Duann
Xi’an China

Thanks for the comment. Nice to know you are enjoying the show.

John G.,

Glad you found the show. Having just seen Blow Up, you should really enjoy the conversation.

Thanks guys.

Good podcast, think I’m staying subscribed to this one.