"The Conversation" is a film that conveys privacy, paranoia, and obsession in universal ways which do not seem dated at all when seen nearly 25 years after its release. A quarter century later, and this taut, puzzling film is still engaging, bleak but powerful. Harry Caul's perfunctory devotion to his work draws comparisons to the photographer played by David Hemmings in "Blowup", although the two men are hardly relatable socially. For Harry is a lonely man, abnegating himself love and respect. Even though his accomplishments are large, he modestly presents himself in shy ways that further alienate him from society. In 1974, in the twilight of Watergate, and the dawn of home security, came a movie dealing thematically with self-security. Harry is insecure, yet ardent in his work, so that when he is pushed to consider saving someone's life, he is blocked by doubts of his own self-worth. When he arrives at the hotel, he is not merely doing his job, he is attempting to prove himself personally. Yet both Harry and the audience are surprised by the film's ironic conclusion. A marvellous film made in Francis Ford Coppola's heyday. A must see for anyone.