3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR (1975)

3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR

1975 • Sydney Pollack

Screenplay: Lorenzo Semple Jr., David Rayfiel; Based on Six Days of the Condor by James Grady
Producer: Stanley Schneider
Cast: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Cliff Robertson, Max von Sydow
Cinematography: Owen Roizman
Music: Don Guidice

Paramount Pictures

I don't interest myself in "why". I think more often in terms of "when", sometimes "where"; always "how much".

Grab your tinfoil hats and get ready to dive headfirst into the thrilling world of 1970s paranoia with 3 Days of the Condor. This film takes us on a rollercoaster ride filled with conspiracy, danger, and a dash of CIA antics. It takes us on a journey where trust is scarce, and everyone is potentially a double agent. Exciting, right?

It's 1975, and the world is knee-deep in Cold War tensions and cloak-and-dagger shenanigans. Our protagonist, played by Robert Redford, is a mild-mannered CIA analyst who spends his days diving into books, looking for hidden meanings and secret codes.

One day, Redford's character stumbles upon a sinister discovery. He finds out that his fellow co-workers
have been brutally murdered. Suddenly, he finds himself thrust into a web of intrigue and danger, desperately trying to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy before it's curtains for him too. Let's just say it's a good thing he's got those CIA skills up his sleeve.

As Redford's character digs deeper, he realizes that he can trust no one. Everyone is suspicious. The office intern? Probably a double agent. The mailman? Definitely hiding some secret documents in those mailbags. Even the office vending machine might be keeping tabs on him. Paranoia at its finest.

Let's not forget the technical achievements of this gem either. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing, it's clear that the masterful editing played a pivotal role in creating the suspense and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Audiences appreciated this film as well, raking in a cool $41 million at the box office, which would be about $240 million in 2023 money. Not too shabby for a bunch of spy games and cloak-and-dagger antics.

3 Days of the Condor is a must-watch for fans of 70s paranoia thrillers, secret agent escapades, and those who just can't resist a good conspiracy theory. With its gripping plot, snappy dialogue, and some killer performances, this film will have you questioning everyone you meet for at least a week.

It will happen this way. You may be walking. Maybe the first sunny day of the spring. And a car will slow beside you, and a door will open, and someone you know, maybe even trust, will get out of the car. And he will smile, a becoming smile. But he will leave open the door of the car and offer to give you a lift.

Notable Awards & Accomplishments

• Academy Award Nominee: Best Film Editing
• Golden Globe Nominee: Best Actress - Drama: Faye Dunaway
• 6th Highest Grossing Film of 1975

Availability: Digital, 4K, Blu-Ray, DVD

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