Third episode, and to mix it up a little I’ve gone for something a little more recent with the infallible decay of The French Connection. It’s such a clever picture – efficient action delicately laced with the artistic degradation of a crime-ridden New York City. If you don’t fancy a listen just click here for the orthodox read.

Stick with me, boys and girls! The blog will be back up and running one day, I assure you!

The Awesome Bleakness Of The French Connection – Over-The-Shoulder Podcast

This happens to be a great film, yet also an action film, yet also with a deep, dark message. How? In the modern age, it’s sad that all of those are basically exclusive from one another. But, back in the early seventies, The French Connection was just about ready to revolutionise cinema… This episode is also available as a blog post: https://overtheshoulder129848657.wordpress.com/2021/05/23/the-awesome-bleakness-of-the-french-connection/ — Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/over-the-shoulder/message
  1. The Awesome Bleakness Of The French Connection
  2. Unlike Your Usual Western, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Captures Something Beautiful
  3. Seinfeld And Setbacks, Narcissism And Nespresso, Curb And Class: An Essay About Nothing

By the way, if the link above doesn’t seem to work on the reader, either listen on the Spotify player at the top or on the website, where a podcast player should appear. Enjoy!

26 Comments

  1. Experience Film says:
    26/02/2022 at 02:24

    I love the podcast! Clear and concise. Also, the Spotify block is working great for me in Reader FYI

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      26/02/2022 at 10:48

      Very glad to hear it, mate. Quite like the aesthetic of that Spotify block…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. scifimike70 says:
        27/02/2022 at 15:10

        Thanks for this podcast. You have a very good speaking voice.

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
        1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
          27/02/2022 at 15:52

          Glad you like it Mike. This may shock you, but it’s actually a robot speaking, not me. The wonders of technology…

          Liked by 1 person

        2. scifimike70 says:
          27/02/2022 at 16:52

          Indeed. Thanks.

          Liked by 2 people

        3. Experience Film says:
          27/02/2022 at 17:12

          I suspected A.I., but I admit I was still fooled! Thought it was you.

          Liked by 2 people

        4. Over-The-Shoulder says:
          27/02/2022 at 21:54

          Wish I sounded like that!

          Liked by 2 people

  2. heathermoulson says:
    26/02/2022 at 07:59

    Looks good. I’ll have a listen. Adore the sordid backdrop and those streets and bars. So gritty. Then the contrast of 21 and the 3 Degrees. So beautifully done. H

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      26/02/2022 at 10:49

      Thanks Heather! Have to say, the 3 Degrees scene may just be one of my favourite scenes in any film…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. heathermoulson says:
        26/02/2022 at 10:52

        Yes, wonderful isn’t it. And I love that song so much

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  3. beetleypete says:
    26/02/2022 at 09:52

    I can’t listen to too much of the American robot, but I do have a lot of time for that excellent film.
    Cheers, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      26/02/2022 at 10:50

      Haha! Unfortunate that Cassidy isn’t to your taste, but I understand. As long as we can agree on The French Connection…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. fragglerocking says:
    26/02/2022 at 16:54

    I read it the first time round, so will pass on listening to Optimus Prime read it out. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      26/02/2022 at 17:20

      Understandable! Cassidy takes great offence, however…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. fragglerocking says:
        26/02/2022 at 20:55

        Pfft.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  5. Brian Hannan says:
    26/02/2022 at 22:14

    Do you get a choice of robot voices?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      27/02/2022 at 15:49

      Unfortunately not. Just female American and male American…

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Brian Hannan says:
        27/02/2022 at 22:02

        You didn’t fancy the female voice then?

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply
        1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
          27/02/2022 at 22:04

          I didn’t feel it accurately represented the man behind the mask…

          Liked by 2 people

        2. Brian Hannan says:
          27/02/2022 at 22:05

          Fair point.

          Liked by 2 people

  6. Brian Hannan says:
    26/02/2022 at 22:17

    Lots of interesting stuff on the film in the Friedkin autobiography, fantastic detail about the lighting and cinematography.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      27/02/2022 at 15:50

      Brilliant director. Will have to search that out.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Brian Hannan says:
        27/02/2022 at 22:03

        Well worth a read.

        Liked by 3 people

        Reply
        1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
          27/02/2022 at 22:03

          After your recommendation of the brilliant Marathon Man many moons ago, how can I resist?

          Liked by 2 people

  7. film-authority.com says:
    24/04/2022 at 11:12

    The Awesome Feelgood Upbeat Perkiness of the French Connection.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Over-The-Shoulder says:
      24/04/2022 at 18:48

      That’s one hell of a montage, befitting of one hell of a film. Where’d you stumble over that one? You forget how brilliant some of FC’s parched humour is.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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