The Parallax View: this paranoia thriller, directed by Alan J. Pakula and telling the story of a journalist investigating a murder, is coldly effective, a solid entry into the genre annals. The protagonist is street-smart and dogged enough to convincingly get into the situation he finds himself in, but also small-time enough to, well, get into the situation he finds himself in. Performances are in general low-key; headliner Warren Beatty is quite good as the protagonist, and Hume Cronyn, as his boss, is also a good, if minor, presence. Truly instrumental to give the film its mood is the work of cinematographer Gordon Willis: his framing was exquisite, often keeping some distance from his subjects (which makes a lot of thematic sense), and his use of low-light creates a number of beautiful images, as well. John W. Wheeler’s editing is dry, precise.