Join us at the Rio Theatre as we dim the lights, raise a glass, and tip our collective cinematic hats to one of the all-time great actors of his generation, Gene Hackman, with a screening of one of his most indelible performances in Francis Ford Coppola‘s THE CONVERSATION. In 2022, Coppola’s 1974 masterpiece of societal paranoia in the guise of a techno-thriller was beautifully restored and remixed by  legendary sound designer Walter Murch.

Sandwiched between the filmmaker’s first two GODFATHER epics, THE CONVERSATION was a smaller, more personal exploration of humanity becoming enslaved and ultimately destroyed by the development of highly sophisticated surveillance technology. The film’s timing couldn’t have been more prescient, with the concurrent revelation during the Watergate hearings of a secret taping device in the Oval Office. Although the cutting-edge electronics of that time now look like Victrolas compared to the pocket-sized gadgetry of today, the themes of social alienation, ruthless corporate behavior, and a testing of one’s faith resonate even deeper as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.

Winner of the 1974 Palme d’Or at Cannes, and nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture (losing out to Coppola’s own THE GODFATHER: PART II ), THE CONVERSATION features a cast of future stars, including John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Teri Garr, Frederick Forsythe, and Cindy Williams. The minimalist piano music by David Shire is considered one of the great film scores of that era.

“AN IMMACULATE THRILLER, a study in paranoia and loneliness, partly inspired by Antonioni’s ‘Blow-Up,’ and released as the Watergate scandal was unfolding, [with] one of Gene Hackman’s greatest performances. (The Guardian)

“A BLEAK AND DEVASTATINGLY BRILLIANT FILM!” (Time Out)

“This tense, paranoid thriller presents Francis Ford Coppola at his finest — and makes some remarkably advanced arguments about technology’s role in society that still resonate today.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“”The Conversation” truly feels both timeless and of the moment.” (LA Times)

“Thanks to Walter Murch’s keen, intuitive sound montage and Hackman’s clammy, subtle performance, the movie captures [an] elusive and universal fear-that of losing the power to respond, emotionally and morally, to the evidence of one’s own senses.” (The New Yorker)

Sunday, April 13
Doors 2:45 pm | Movie 3:15 pm *Please arrive on time. Times subject to change.
Tickets HERE

THE CONVERSATION (Francis Ford Coppola, 1974 / 113 mins / 14A) Lonely wiretapping expert and devout Catholic Harry Caul  is hired to record a seemingly innocuous conversation in San Francisco’s Union Square between two lovers. Upon re-hearing the tapes, however, Caul believes he may be putting the couple in danger if he turns the material over to his client. But what one hears can ultimately turn out to be quite different from what was actually recorded.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.