The French Connection Film Summary & Analysis

Symbols

Darkness

Parts of the film are shot in complete or partial darkness. Since one of the movie's themes is the many sides of man this is an appropriate touch. The darkness symbolizes how little we really know about others. Trying to understand someone else can be like looking through the darkness and seeing only a dim shadow of the truth.

Additionally, the darkness serves to add to the mystery of the film. Darkness creates curiosity, and the viewer wants to know what is happening in the darkness. In the final scene, Doyle chases Charnier through an abandoned warehouse only to lose him in the end because of the darkness. The darkness hides intentions and motivations as well as people.

Guns

Guns are used constantly in the story. The guns represent the desire for power that each man in the film has. Charnier, Devereaux, and Weinstock are all in the scheme for money...
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