Review of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) by Daniel K — 02 Mar 2009

I had never realized how beautiful the film was until seeing it on Blu-Ray. It's like the film has been reborn as an entirely different entity. It now truly has the look and feel of a classic. Some of the sequences among the rows of corn and in the countryside are gorgeous.

The opening sequence with Faye Dunaway is very well done as well. She has a face that probably would have benefited from the great lighting masters of the 30's and 40's, but this sequence works just as well as just about anything that would have been done in that time period.

The narrative is very well constructed even if it does seem incredibly rushed now that I've seen it so many times over the years. It is revolutionary filmmaking that has a timeless appeal. It is only shocking today if one is able to view it in the context of film history, but it is no less effective because of this.

Great characterizations and character development. I'm sure the story could have butchered in the hands of a lesser director, less writers, and lesser actors. This certainly was an interesting time in the history of Hollywood.

It's definitely not my favorite era, but the more films from the period I see on Blu-Ray, the more I think the qualms I've had over the years with the manner in which they are photographed are simply due to poor transfers.

This looks wonderful, even if it doesn't burst off the screen like the old black and white films and Technicolor masterpieces of the 30's to the early 60's. Well done on all fronts. Still, I appreciate it more than love it.