The French Connection and the Real-Life Drug Bust

 

One of the most influential films ever made, The French Connection is widely credited with kicking off a new generation of thrillers that focused on urban police work and pushed the limits of realism. Its thrilling chase scene—with Gene Hackman chasing an elevated train through the streets of New York City while dodging traffic, pedestrians and even a woman pushing a baby carriage—is perhaps its most famous sequence. But it can’t be overstated that the entire film—as well as the real-life drug bust that inspired it—is equally enthralling.

Directed by William Friedkin, The French Connection re-created the real-life drug bust that followed NYPD detectives Eddie Egan and Sonny Grosso as they pursued the mastermind behind a heroin pipeline running from Marseille to New York. It features the most ferocious car chase sequences ever filmed as well as a powerful performance from Hackman that won him an Oscar.

This documentary chronicles the long and torturous process that led from the actual drug bust which formed the basis for the film to its final Oscar-winning production. It features frank responses from the real-life cops who were featured in the movie as well as from Friedkin himself and other members of the film’s crew.

As part of the celebrations for the 45th anniversary of The French Connection, this special feature was shown at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in 2021. It features director William Friedkin and his son, actor Jordan, talking about shooting the film’s gripping car chase sequence on the streets of New York.

After winning the Directing Academy Award for The The french connection tina  Connection, Friedkin wrote this often-circulated article about the creation of the film’s famous chase scenes for the Directors Guild of America publication Action. It is a fascinating look at how the film’s legendary sequences were conceived by Friedkin and his crew.

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