The French Connection (1971)

Set in New York City, an out of control and racist detective (Gene Hackman) on the narcotics detail suspects a major narcotics shipment will hit town very soon. He tails the the guy (Tony Lo Bianco) he suspects of being the middle man in the detail. All he knows is that a French visitor (Fernando Rey) is the connection. Based on the non fiction book by Robin Moore and directed by William Friedkin (THE EXORCIST). Winner of five Oscars (best picture, actor (Hackman), director, editing, screenplay), unlike many films of its era, it holds up quite well. Jerry Greenberg's razor sharp film editing is a textbook example on how to edit a thriller. In a well deserved Oscar win, Hackman makes no attempt to make his cop a hero. In his own way, he's as much of a sleazebag as the thugs he pursues. The legendary car chase sequence remains unequaled. The film has an almost documentary feel to it. Friedkin has admitted he was influenced by Costa Gavras' Z (1969). With Roy Scheider, Marcel Bozzuffi, Bill Hickman and Arlene Farber.