The interesting truth behind a great picture

'The French Connection' is a great movie, and in 1971 it was game-changing: had anyone made a thriller this gritty, this exciting before? This documentary, made in 1999 when most of those involved were still around to give interviews, tells the story of its making, and it's a good one: a real criminal investigation, the film's uncertain genesis, the difficult filming, the famous chase scene incredibly filmed live on the streets of New York. Not every film is interesting or significant enough to deserve a "making of" documentary, but this one merits it. And if you haven't seen the finished product, make sure you do.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'The French Connection'

Documentary on the production of The French Connection (1971).

The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'The French Connection' (2000)

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The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'the French Connection'

Gene Hackman and Marcel Bozzuffi in The French Connection (1971)

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Joe D. Lauck and Regina Schneider in Poughkeepsie (2018)

Gene Hackman in French Connection II (1975)

Gene Hackman, William Friedkin, and Roy Scheider in The French Connection (1971)

The Poughkeepsie Shuffle: Tracing 'The French Connection'

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