“Paranoia and Paranoid Disorders.” National Mental Health Association. 4 Apr 2006.
    <http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/paranoia.cfm>

Paranoia is an essential element of The Conversation, Harry’s decent into the depths of his obsessed mind causes him to have suspicions that are without evidence. His symptoms are evident throughout the movie from the first time we see his drab, phone-less apartment. Harry has the typical symptoms of paranoid disorder, his intense suspicions and mistrust of people is evident in his treatment of his mistress, who he refuses to share any personal information with. Often this irrational mistrust leads to rage and hatred, as Harry exhibits when people ask him questions, and most notably in the final scene where he disassembles his home. His preoccupation with hidden motives seem to be somewhat merited, but the viewer cannot trust the point of view of the mentally incapacitated protagonist. His character’s personality perfectly matches the described actions of someone suffering from paranoid disorder; he is unable to relax, argumentative, self-righteous, stubborn, and perfectionistic. Of course, Harry is not acting this way without merit. Paranoid disorder is acquired because of a breakdown of mental functions involving reasoning and assigned meanings. Harry has to confront a paradox of truth and lies, and his mental capacity is confused by the sequence of events confronting him. Most often, paranoia is a result of misunderstanding or increased responsibility. Harry is stressed because he must confront both of these ills in his longing to understand the contents of his recording. Like many people with paranoid disorders, Harry can function in everyday life, but he leads an isolated existence in order to shield himself from his intense fear of persecution.