“Three Days of the Condor” is a fast-moving thriller. The top-level acting, and memorable characters are second to the amazing setting and atmosphere. 1970s New York City is on full display and plays an integral part of the story.
This 1975 film was directed by the legendary Sydney Pollack and based off a novel by James Grady. Its cast includes Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow, and the iconic Robert Redford. All are excellent, and each delivers a stellar performance.
It received an Academy Award nomination but was overlooked amidst a heavy field that included “Dog Day Afternoon,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “Jaws.” A pretty good year for movies.
Joe Turner (Robert Redford) is a CIA researcher who returns to his office from lunch one rainy afternoon to find all his colleagues murdered in a bloodbath. Turner – whose nickname is “Condor,” is the next target, and must safely find a way across New York City to agency headquarters.
Robert Redford is a Hollywood legend, the 70s being his heyday. He shows us how a leading man operates, even when the character is anything other than a musclebound tough guy. “I’m not a field agent,” he whines to his superior after being told help is not forthcoming, “I just read books!”
Along the way, Condor meets a beautiful woman named Kathy (Faye Dunaway) who of course, falls for the dashing man. Cliff Robertson, who I know from The Twilight Zone, plays Condor’s superior. The great Max von Sydow dazzles as the cold stoned assassin, Joubert.
“Stay well for 60 minutes and your home.”
Redford aside, 1975 New York City is the main star. The cars, the fashion, the décor. Old school tech fills the office. Payphones are abundant. Everyone smokes. The early scenes are amidst pouring rain, and for some reason I want to be there.
The old New York skyline is nostalgic. It’s immense, but not so vast as today that the details are lost. The Twin Towers, having recently been completed, are proudly on display throughout.
Sydney Pollack uses suspense to tell the story. The scene where Condor discovers his murdered co-workers is chilling as the sound of a printer running in the background is all we hear. We know there’s a ticking clock as Condor makes his way to the World Trade Center. Buildings one can see despite being a lifetime away.
What keeps it from perfect?
While it’s a tense thriller, and under two hours, it moves slowly towards the middle. This facet isn’t helped by the relationship of Condor and Kathy, which frankly, is unnecessary. I get it, it’s Robert Redford and Faye Dunnaway but the stakes feel too high for a guy running for his life, to stop off for some action.
That aside, “Three Days of the Condor” is a great movie. Fans of the espionage sub-genre will devour its premises. Those who like historic settings will be mesmerized. Lovers of great actors will be entertained.
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