The Connection

Watch The Connection

"Men Held Captive By the Power Of Drugs"
  • NR
  • 1961
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • 7.0  (988)

The Connection is a 1961 independent film directed by Shirley Clarke, based on a play of the same name by Jack Gelber. The movie is set in a shoddy basement apartment in New York City where a group of heroin junkies gather for their daily fix, awaiting the arrival of their drug dealer, Cowboy. The film revolves around the dealer and the interactions between the users and the arrival of a documentary filmmaker, Jim Dunn, who wants to capture their lives on film.

The film begins with a jazz trumpet playing music as the credits roll. Then, the camera shifts to the drug users, most of whom are musicians, waiting for their heroin fix. They are a mix of races and ages, including Leach (William Redfield), Ernie (Warren Finnerty), Solly (Garry Goodrow), and more. The audience witness their daily routine, the highs and lows, as they are exposed to moments of despair, distrust, and hope.

The camera frequently shifts back to Dunn (Roscoe Lee Browne), the filmmaker, who is filming these addicts with his camera in the hope of gaining their trust for his documentary. This makes the audience question the voyeuristic nature of the movie-making process, adding a layer of introspection to the viewers' experience.

As the film progresses, tension builds between Cowboy, the drug dealer who is delayed in his arrival, and the waiting addicts in the apartment, unfulfilled hunger for the fix of heroin. Their frustration, aggression, and anxiety get the better of them as time ticks by, leading to an explosive confrontation between Cowboy and the drug users, including Leach, who’s angry at his cheat and deception.

What makes the film unique and point to note about it is that the actors break the fourth wall, acknowledging the film crew and the camera, giving it an experimental element. This was a groundbreaking technique during this era of cinema.

The Connection is a film that captures the desperation of addiction and the self-destruction that comes with it. It is a stark portrayal of the lives of drug addicts and an unflinching look at their daily struggles. The film was ahead of its time, and the use of visual and sound techniques rebels against the conventional narrative structures that dominated American cinema.

The performances are realistic, and the cast of heroin junkies authentically portrayed the daily life of the addicted, the highs, the lows, and their fragile mental state as they wait for the heroin pricks. They brought an element of genuine humanity to these characters that could have easily been reduced to stereotypes.

The cinematography direction, which made use of handheld cameras and close-ups, adds to the film's authenticity. The improvisation between the actors and the director supplies the documentary-like quality of the action, further highlighting the film's experimental nature.

One point worth noting is that the film can be seen in two forms - the original version and the "unedited" version, the latter of which features additional scenes that were removed during the original censorship process. The unedited version was restored in 2012, allowing audiences to view the directorial and artistic intent in its raw form, with its complete vision.

In conclusion, The Connection remains an unforgettable and influential film for its realistic portrayal and its dedication to experimental cinema. It evokes somber emotions and gives insight into the world of drug addiction, poverty, and the human condition. It is a film rooted in the reality of addiction that dares to look beyond the surface and examine the deeper aspects of the human psyche. The Connection is a classic of independent cinema movement, and it continues to engage and offer insights to audiences decades after its release.

The Connection is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.

The Connection
Description
Where to Watch The Connection
The Connection is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at . Some platforms allow you to rent The Connection for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1961
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 50 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (988)
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