For The Film Experience, I took part in this week’s edition of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in which you pick your favorite shot from a chosen film. This edition covers Frances Ford Coppola’s The Conversation.

Gene Hackman’s character of Harry Caul is obsessed with his own privacy. He barely has anyone around, and even the ones he knows don’t know anything about him. While in his barren apartment, he is at ease, but when he is out in the world, including making his pay phone calls, he is surrounded by real and imagined pressures.

While making his call, there is physical pressure from an impatient man waiting for his turn. Not only that, but reflections of glowing neon surround him like a cage, but not of his own design. Even with his systems and routines, he has no relaxation. His life is constant pressure.

It’s an exceptional film and a Best Picture nominee from 1974. You can rent the film on-demand or stream it on Paramount+

Feel free to play along yourself here.