The true story of notorious bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker.
BIOPIC/CRIME/DRAMA
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Bonnie and Clyde (1967)Directed by Arthur Penn
Written by David Newman and Robert Benton Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Gene Wilder, Evans Evans Oscar Wins - Best Supporting Actress (Estelle Parsons), Best Cinematography Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Actor (Warren Beatty), Best Actress (Faye Dunaway), Best Supporting Actor (Michael J. Pollard), Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design |
Bonnie and Clyde is a great film that somehow makes two notorious murderers likable. Clearly, it's the mighty charisma of Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway that brings these outlaws out of history and into our hearts. Despite the obvious romanticism, the film details their short time together in a very interesting way, making the audience care about them.
As I said, this film would be nothing without the palpable chemistry between Beatty and Dunaway. They make these two heinous criminals seem almost sympathetic, so much so that you are actually shocked and appalled when they are ruthlessly gunned down by the law. This film also features stellar performances from Estelle Parsons, Michael J. Pollard, and a young Gene Hackman, who make up the Barrow Gang. Oddly enough, there is also a short scene about halfway through with Gene Wilder. It doesn't really fit in with the tone of the film, but it's so strange that you can't help but enjoy it. It's the talent behind the characters that makes this film so great. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ruthless criminals, there's no doubt about it. Yet, somehow this film shows them in a completely different light without glamorizing them or turning them into some sort of antiheroes. It shows them exactly the way they were. Star-crossed lovers who wanted to rob banks. |