"The Conversation" is a film that stars Gene Hackman as Harry Caul. Everything about Harry is non-descript and practical: his generic glasses, his inexpensive suit and shoes, bargain watch, and an opaque plastic raincoat. (His signet ring and his moustache are the only evidence of personal vanity.) Anonymity and ruthlessness are necessary for his work; he also uses these to handle some nefarious business needs.

Harry’s clothes are indicative of his job. The simple act of donning his raincoat is used by him to initiate his work. He removes it when work is over or a task is completed (he takes this action after he finished taping the live recording of Ann and Mark). He even wears the raincoat while dreaming. His reasons for wearing the item are left ambivalent. It's required.

True clues to Harry's personality can be drawn from his attire. His raincoat is translucent, implying his paranoia of being bugged is palpable, something that eventually happens when he is not wearing the coat. Also, it harbors connotations of sleaziness and shame, both of which dog Harry on a daily basis.

Everything about Harry is marginal, peripheral to political, commercial, or social systems. The decor of his home and person will remain bland throughout the film. He is the consummate outsider from all his clothing and to his entire persona.

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