REVIEW: "THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR"
BY DARREN ALLISON
Posted by Cinema Retro in Blu-ray/DVD/Streaming Reviews & News on
It was always going to be something rather good that would eventually topple Jaws (1975) from the box office number one slot. Sydney Pollack's compelling political thriller, Three Days of the Condor, achieved that feat. It is a film steeped in speculative government dealings and the shady side of its associations with large business corporations. Three Days of the Condor is arguably one of the greatest thrillers to emerge from the 70s. it arrived directly in the slipstream of the Watergate scandal that had witnessed the toppling of a president and a severe shifting of the United States political arena. The ripple effect from such political scandals bought about a change in American cinema with film directors examining the fringes and paranoia fallout that subsequently evolved. The darker side of American politics had suddenly become the new in-vogue sub-genre. Probing thrillers such as Alan J. Pakula's All the President's Men (1976) became fascinating expos's as well as enlightening forms of entertainment.
In Three Days of the Condor, Robert Redford stars as Joe Turner; he's an everyman employed on a clerical level by the CIA in New York City. He's smart; an expert of sorts who provides advice and analysis based upon foreign publications and what might be hiding in between the lines. One afternoon he dashes out to the local deli to collect the lunch orders for the office staff. He returns to his office to find that his entire group of colleagues has been massacred. Panic stricken and confused, Turner calls his superiors to request that he be bought in safely. However, the situation is turned on its head when he finds himself being hunted down by the same group that murdered his colleagues - and on the directive of his CIA superiors.
In desperation, and acting on pure adrenalin, Turner abducts Kathy (Faye Dunaway) a photographer. Turner needs to get off the streets and take some time to piece together the mystery. He ultimately wins over Kathy and convinces her to assist him, despite the danger to her own life. Because the twosome is played by Redford and Dunaway, it will surprise no one that they become lovers in the process. Together, Joe and Kathy begin to unravel clues while a sinister, lone assassin (Max Von Sydow) calmly manoeuvres ever closer in their footsteps.
Some 40 years on, Three Days of the Condor still works superbly. Based on James Grady's novel, it is interesting to observe how the passing years have witnessed the author's fictional elements materialise into accountable elements of fact, a realisation that makes the story that much more chilling. The passing of time deems it almost entirely plausible, which perhaps diminishes the shock value to some degree. Right or wrong, there is almost an acceptance regarding the shady conspiracies that unfold when viewed today, even more so than at the time of the film's original release.
Redford and Dunaway are both magnetic on screen, two iconic stars that were dominant on the silver screen around the mid-Seventies. Pollack's direction is tight and tense and keeps the narrative flowing at an even, constant pace. Also noteworthy is Dave Grusin's smooth and funky Jazz score. In recent times it has become something of a legendary soundtrack and one that has rightly been proclaimed as a 70s masterpiece.
Eureka's 1080p transfer is very nice indeed, Condor (through the various incarnations I have previously owned) has never appeared or stood out as the sharpest of 70s movies. Some scenes tend to have a "director's intent" soft focus to them. However, its hidden beauty is made apparent with tighter, close up shots, which look superbly detailed and reveal a vivid natural clarity. The film also appears to be rather brighter especially in night shots. Blacks especially appear to retain just the right balance without falling off into the dreaded, milky grey spectrum. The picture is clean throughout and does not reveal any signs of blemishes, dirt particles or scratches. The film's audio is provided by way of an English LPCM 2.0 channel and an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 channel mix. The purist in me opted for the 2.0 channel mix, which is both clear and perfectly detailed.
In the bonus features you will find The Directors: Sydney Pollack an original (and excellent) 60 minute documentary that examines the film-making career of the esteemed filmmaker. It's a great watch which includes archival interviews and features contributions from Cliff Robertson, Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Julia Ormond and Sally Field. There is also a new video presentation featuring film historian Dr. Sheldon Hall who discusses (in detail) the production history of the movie, the identities of the main protagonists, the evolution of their relationships and Pollack's directing style. As with any piece featuring Sheldon Hall, you know you are in good, intelligent company with a man who knows his subject well. At 22 minutes, it sadly passes all too soon. Also included is the original theatrical trailer, which is generous at around 3 minutes. Included within is a superbly produced 32-page illustrated booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Michael Brooke and an extensive interview with Sydney Pollack. It is apparent that Brooke has obviously researched his subject to the highest standard. Intelligent and hugely informative, Brooke's writing is supported by an equally impressive array of archival images. The booklet is a lovingly produced piece that almost warrants its admission fee alone.
It's a shame that Eureka's Region B package doesn't include the Sydney Pollack commentary track as this is an addition I would have dearly loved to hear. I can only assume this was unavailable due to copyright restrictions, but as an admirer of Pollack's work and legacy, I'm sure it would provide a fascinating listen. Nevertheless, Eureka's presentation pushes all the right buttons and serves as a perfect example of what made 70s cinema so unique and so damn good. Grab it without hesitation.
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