The French Connection is an Oscar-winning 1971 film that captured audiences and reshaped the crime genre. The movie was based on real events and features one of the most famous car chases in cinematic history. Known for its gritty story, intense plot, and exceptional performances, The French Connection has become a legendary film that continues to influence future crime movies. To celebrate the film's 50th anniversary, let's take a look at 30 fascinating facts about The French Connection.
The story begins in New York City, where two police detectives named Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso are tasked with locating the source of a heroin smuggling operation. The detectives spot suspicious activity and decide to tail Pasquale "Patsy" Fuca, a mobster on the lam who has connections to a heroin supplier in France. During their pursuit, the detectives catch a glimpse of a smuggled case from France and realize they're on to something big.
As they follow Fuca, the detectives begin to realize that he is in control of an international drug smuggling ring and that he may have information regarding the upcoming shipment. They ask for a wiretap order on his phone, and are given permission to monitor him for sixty days. During this time, the detectives are able to hear that the drugs are about to be delivered, and that they have been moved from a warehouse to an abandoned train yard.
Egan and Grosso are able to intercept the drugs, and arrest the men involved in the smuggling ring. However, they never find Charnier. After the smuggling operation is dismantled, the detectives are credited with helping to make the streets of New York safer.
One of the reasons The french connection fact or fiction is such an iconic film is because of its realistic depiction of police work. The movie's attention to detail was praised by critics and audiences alike. The director, William Friedkin, even consulted with the actual detectives who cracked the case to ensure the film was as accurate as possible.
To give the film its realistic feel, Friedkin hired real life police officers to play the parts of Detectives Egan and Grosso. This gave the actors a more authentic feel on screen and helped them connect with their characters. In addition, Friedkin allowed the detectives to direct certain scenes in the movie.
The film's most recognizable scene is the famous car chase that runs through Brooklyn. The movie's director, William Friedkin, drew inspiration from films such as Gillo Pontocorvo's The Battle of Algiers and Costa-Gavras' Z to create the sequence. Friedkin believed that these films embraced a documentary style of filmmaking that he wanted to emulate in The French Connection.
The scene was shot out of sequence over five weeks, and the NYPD allowed Friedkin to clear traffic for a five-block radius. It's also worth noting that Hackman did most of the driving during the actual filming, and that he drove over half of the footage that was used in the final film.
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