The Conversation (Paramount, 1974), Custom-Bound Script with Inlaid Studio and BTS Photos, Plus Publicity Ephemera....

Description

The Conversation (Paramount, 1974), Custom-Bound Script with Inlaid Studio and BTS Photos, Plus Publicity Ephemera. Vintage original 129-page (only partially paginated) final-draft screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola dated November 22, 1972. On white combination studio-mimeo and xerox pages, with blue undated revision pages. The present script was custom-bound for producer Fred Roos' personal library in black leather with title stamped in gilt on the front board and spine, plus his name on front board, with matching endpapers. Vintage original 8" x 10" gelatin silver photos (17) of the principal cast, action, and behind the scenes laid in to blank internal pages. Also laid in at front are the original press kit biography and publicity documents. Surveillance expert Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) discovered that the assignment he was working on would lead to murder, awakening his long-dormant conscience in The Conversation (1974), Francis Ford Coppola's psychological thriller. Critics were divided. Vincent Canby of The New York Times called it "extraordinarily well made" but "emotionally remote," while Roger Ebert praised its psychological depth. Many found the film slow and its ending ambiguous, but it was widely praised for its sound design, cinematography, and Hackman's performance, which was seen as one of his best. Themes of privacy, surveillance, and moral conflict stood out, especially in the post-Watergate era. Though polarizing, The Conversation is now regarded as a significant and enduring film from 1970s American cinema. Written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film picked up three Oscar nominations in 1975, and is especially notable as a very early role for Harrison Ford. Binding and interior remain remarkably fresh, with very few traces of handling, age, or wear. The poster image is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions. From the Estate of Fred Roos.

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