Review of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) by Jennifer G — 05 May 2010

Bonnie And Clyde, based on the experiences of the Barrow Gang, is a crime film with astounding performances and muddled pacing. Faye Dunaway stars as Bonnie Parker, a lonely waitress who is bored with her life.

One morning, Bonnie discovers a man trying to steal her car. Bonnie, instead of being upset, decides to befriend the man, who is ex-convict Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty). After Clyde robs a store out of passion for Bonnie, they embark on a crime spree throughout Texas.

On the way they pick up car mechanic C. W. Moss (Michael Pollard), Clyde's brother (Gene Hackman), and Clyde's sister-in-law (Estelle Parsons). They name themselves the Barrow Gang and continue robbing banks and shooting civilians until they reach their untimely demise.

Arthur Penn is innovative with gruesome action scenes and by showing the thrill of being notorious outlaws. The Southern culture is purely exploited, but done so with a particular sense of intelligence that it comes off as witty instead of irrational.

Despite Penn's masterful direction, the editing was very uneven; the film would go fast, then stop for an intimate scene, then fast for an action sequence, then slow again for another intimate scene.

The film isn't formulaic, but at times the unevenly paced story was bothersome. Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty are magnificent and portray their characters with impeccable charisma. Gene Hackman and Estelle Parsons act obnoxious, but do such a great job with it that they become incredibly enjoyable to watch.

Bonnie And Clyde is a thrilling crime classic that succeeds because of Faye Dunaway's, Warren Beatty's, and Gene Hackman's extraordinary performances and Arthur Penn's breakthrough direction.

85/100.