Three Days Of The Condor came up . In Sydney Pollack's "Three Days Of The Condor," an unsuspecting CIA researcher, Joe Turner (Robert Redford), stumbles into a deadly conspiracy that turns his life upside down. This film, set against the backdrop of 1970s New York City, may be entrenched in the conventions of a spy thriller but Redford's charm and the film's unique, albeit slightly bizarre, concept of employing literary fiction to convey covert operations make it a captivating watch.
Originality: 6 out of 10 ▸ "Three Days Of The Condor" explores the well-trodden path of spy thrillers but with enough twists and unique plot points to set it apart. The notion of using novels as a medium for transmitting covert operations, as well as a thrilling scene featuring Redford's character hacking the phone system of the 1970s, offers some unexpected surprises that refresh the otherwise standard narrative.
Story: 6 out of 10 ▸ The narrative of a naive agent, unwittingly enmeshed in a rogue organization, may feel familiar to modern audiences. Yet, reflecting on the film's release year, 1975, this theme of corruption within a powerful entity like the CIA might have struck a more innovative chord during the Cold War era.
Characters: 6 out of 10 ▸ Redford shines as Joe Turner, the average-Joe-turned-rogue-agent, convincingly transitioning from a harmless researcher to a man of action. Faye Dunaway's character, Kathy, however, lacks energy, leaving the audience wondering about her motivations.
Writing: 6 out of 10 ▸ While the film maintains a believable narrative, certain scenes, particularly those involving Redford and Dunaway, feel disconnected from the overall plot, dampening the story's realism. These moments, though few, momentarily shatter the narrative's consistency.
Visual Storytelling: 5 out of 10 ▸ The film's cinematography is, for the most part, unremarkable. Apart from a few memorable shots that exploit the vibrancy of New York City's streets and some distinct character designs, the film doesn't stray far from the standard visual storytelling techniques of its time.
Performances: 6 out of 10 ▸ The performances in the film range from commendable to lackluster. Redford's dynamic portrayal is contrasted by Dunaway's seemingly tired approach, while Max von Sydow brings a delightfully captivating performance, proving himself a scene-stealer.
Production: 7 out of 10 ▸ The film does an excellent job conveying the vast reach and omnipotent aura of the CIA, a formidable antagonist to Redford's character. A notably well-executed fight scene featuring Redford and 'The Mailman' showcases a refreshing touch of realism.
Soul & Theme: 5 out of 10 ▸ "Three Days Of The Condor" adheres to the standard Hollywood style of the 70s, lacking a distinctive aesthetic. While it fulfills its genre requirements, it misses the opportunity to make a statement.
Music and Sound: 6 out of 10 ▸ The film's sound design is effective, enhancing the narrative without becoming overpowering. The blend of music and sound effects complements the visual elements, contributing to the overall atmospheric experience.
Immersion: 7 out of 10 ▸ While "Three Days Of The Condor" may not stun with novelty or spectacle, it maintains an engaging grip on the viewer. The strength of its performances, especially Redford's, and the compelling narrative of espionage keep the audience invested throughout the film.
Overall Rating: 60 out of 100: Watchable, entertaining, but not groundbreaking ▸ "Three Days Of The Condor," despite its conventional approach to the spy thriller genre, manages to leave an indelible mark, primarily thanks to Robert Redford's performance and the subtle uniqueness in the storytelling. The film may not shatter genre boundaries, but it does offer a window into the 70s, a time when the allure of espionage films was blossoming, and the fear of corruption within powerful institutions was a tangible concern.
Characters are placed within an intriguing narrative that threads danger, corruption, and an unexpected twist of using literary fiction for covert communications. One can't help but appreciate the film's commitment to maintaining a level of authenticity, especially in its fight sequences, where rawness takes precedence over stylized choreography. Even if the film falls short in offering a distinct visual style, the grounded feel of the narrative compensates for this shortcoming.
All in all, "Three Days Of The Condor" stands as a compelling, albeit slightly traditional, entry into the spy thriller genre. It may not be a pioneering film, but its engaging narrative, seasoned with moments of unexpected novelty, makes it worth revisiting. It serves as a reminder of how the genre has evolved over time and as a testament to the power of a compelling performance, as delivered by Redford, to elevate an otherwise conventional film.