Gene Hackman delivers a great performance as a reclusive surveillance expert who becomes obsessed with a conversation he has recorded. As he tries to uncover the full implication of the tape, his life slowly crumbles around him. Director Coppola (fresh from his Oscar-winning Godfather films) keeps the action one step ahead of the audience, revealing just enough material for the viewer to fill in the blanks. Finally, this film, unlike most current Hollywood movies, offers a pitch-perfect ending.

Nate Grover