I have absolutely no idea why The French Connection is in the top 250. Nothing really wrong with the acting or the cinematography; the story is just too simple and it never gets to you. It doesn't even come close.
I happen to like movies that have some emotional effect on me: unfairness, pity, revenge and (unreachable) love are themes that I usually appreciate.
The French Connection didn't have these elements and neither does it have other interesting themes. It's not Hackman's fault or any of the other actors, the story is just too average. If you want to see an excellent movie with Gene Hackman, I suggest "Mississippi Burning".
I happen to like movies that have some emotional effect on me: unfairness, pity, revenge and (unreachable) love are themes that I usually appreciate.
The French Connection didn't have these elements and neither does it have other interesting themes. It's not Hackman's fault or any of the other actors, the story is just too average. If you want to see an excellent movie with Gene Hackman, I suggest "Mississippi Burning".