Three Days of the Condor

Main Plot

Three Days of the Condor follows Joe Turner, a CIA analyst who works for a covert division that reads and analyzes books and reports for intelligence purposes. After returning from lunch one day, he discovers that all of his colleagues have been murdered in a surprise attack. Fearing for his own life, Turner goes on the run, trying to uncover who is behind the killings and why. As he delves deeper into the conspiracy, he finds himself entangled in a web of deception that leads him to question the very nature of his work and the agency he serves. To protect himself, he takes a woman hostage, hoping to use her as leverage while he seeks answers. The film explores themes of paranoia, betrayal, and the moral complexities of espionage in a tense and gripping narrative.

Characters

• Robert Redford plays Joe Turner, a CIA analyst who uncovers a conspiracy and must evade assassins while unraveling the truth.
• Faye Dunaway plays Kathy Hale, a photographer who becomes an unwilling accomplice to CIA analyst Joe Turner as he uncovers a conspiracy.
• Cliff Robertson plays Higgins, a senior CIA official who manipulates events to cover up a rogue operation, ultimately confronting the protagonist about the agency's darker motives.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Three Days of the Condor, the tension escalates as the protagonist, Joe Turner, confronts the reality of betrayal and conspiracy within the CIA. After a harrowing journey of survival, where he uncovers a plot involving the assassination of agents, Turner seeks answers and justice. The climax occurs when he confronts his superior, who reveals the ruthless nature of their operations and the lengths to which the agency will go to protect its interests. In a pivotal moment, Turner takes control of the situation, holding his superior at gunpoint, demanding to know the truth behind the killings. This confrontation highlights the moral ambiguity of the intelligence world and the personal cost of loyalty and betrayal. Ultimately, Turner is left with a choice: to continue fighting against the system or to accept the grim reality of his situation. The film concludes with Turner making a call to the press, suggesting he is ready to expose the corruption he has witnessed. This act symbolizes his rejection of complicity and the desire for accountability, connecting to the overall narrative of the struggle between individual morality and institutional power. The ending leaves viewers questioning the true nature of security and the sacrifices made in its name.