|
French Connection II Proves Worthy Follow-up to Original |
|
|
|
Written by STEVIE STYLES
|
|
Saturday, 28 February 2009 |
These days a sequel of a hit action film is not only inevitable but obligated. Back in the 70’s this wasn’t the case, however after French Connections dominated the Academy Awards, the idea of Gene Hackman’s “Popeye” Doyle bringing the ”French Connection” to justice felt like destiny. Along with the original French Connection, French Connection II is now also available on blu-ray with a few nice bonus features.
| | |
French Connection II
|
 Entertainment
Art
 Special Features
Directed by John Frankenheimer
Written by Laurie Dillon, Robert Dillon, Alexander Jacobs
Starring Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Bernard Fresson, Cathleen Nesbitt
Rated R
|
| | |
The original French Connection for a Hollywood picture didn’t have such a so-called “Hollywood Ending.” The bad guy weren’t brought to justice and the film abruptly came to an end. We were given some text on what became of the nefarious characters but the main kingpin - Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey) was never brought to justice. French Connection II sets out to correct this as we find “Popeye” Doyle (Gene Hackman) at the source of the narcotic headquarters in Marseilles, France pursuing Charnier and finally bring him to justice.
While the original French Connection was based on actual events, French Connection II is a complete work of fiction. Yet with director John Frankenheimer, now at the helm, the film feels seamless and contains the same gritty feel the first film delivered. Gene Hackman seems even more comfortable with the “Popeye” Doyle character and takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the streets and back alleys of Marseilles. This isn’t as much a sequel as a continuation of the original story. It would have been nice to have Roy Scheider along for the ride but this film is full of colorful characters for you to stick your teeth into. In many ways this is a “fish out of water” story with “Popeye” Doyle trying to work the streets of Marseilles like he would in New York and not getting the same results. In turn, this is one of those rare occasions that the sequel is as good as the original film.
Unlike the original film recently being available on blu-ray, French Connection II has only a small collection of extras. Perhaps it comes down to the fact that director John Frankenheimer passed away in 2002. Either way, after viewing all the bonus material provided for French Connection one can not help but be a bit disappointed.
Still, there is an additional conversation with Gene Hackman on his experience with French Connection II and his character “Popeye” Doyle. This was obviously recorded during the same time as the material for the French Connection feature but is equally insightful. There are also two commentary tracks one with Gene Hackman and Producer Robert Rosen and the late director himself, John Frankenheimer. I’ve always been a big fan of the commentary track and both of these are worth your time in future viewings. Finally there is a 25-minute feaurette on the director entitled Frankenheimer: In focus and isolated score that focuses on his entire career as a director with many new and old interviews.
French Connection II proved there was more to explore with the “Popeye” Doyle character. Where original director William Friedkin knew the streets of New York, director John Frankenheimer equally knew the back alleys of France with spending a great deal of time living there. French Connection II is as powerful and as strong as the original.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
