Rating 18
Length 1h51
Release 08.09.1967
Director Arthur Penn
About When Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow meet, they get attracted to each other. Together, they choose the path of crime to earn easy money. But they refuse to hurt people while going about their business.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: BBC Player
Trailer:
The Good
I was hooked from the very start until that heart wrenching, yet inevitable, final scene. The chemistry between Dunaway and Beatty is undeniable and they do really bring the iconic Bonnie and Clyde to life.
Considering when was this was made, the film presents some ground breaking imagery and representation. The first murder on screen by Beatty’s Clyde, while tame by today’s movie standards, is quite vivid. There’s no edit between the firing of the gun and the sight of blood; it’s incredibly well filmed and would take any audience member by surprise.
The ending is on a par with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), or perhaps even the inspiration behind the highly stylised ending for the Redford and Newman fronted film.
Slow motion certainly is something that is overused today, but combined here with the alternative views and speeds, it. really is effective for representing the last moments of their lives.
The Bad
I’m sorry to say this, but how did Estelle Parsons win the Oscar for her support performance?! It’s all screaming and … well if you’ve seen The War of the Worlds (2005) and you remember Dakota Fanning’s scream-y performance. It’s like that, but so much more annoying.
Yes, the characterisation is a deliberate contrast to Dunaway’s Bonnie, but did it really have to go that far?
The Ugly
I’m certain that at the time of release, the original score would have been considered amazing. However, due to the potential over use of the banjo and it specifically being used to provide levity and a satirical tone, the music really clashes with the narrative.
Final Thoughts
A very well made film, with an excellent cast and It’s one of those that you have watch at least once in your life. Give it an updated score that you can listen to without smirking, and I’d agree with many that it is a masterpiece.
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