Review of Bonnie and Clyde (1967) by Vern H — 16 Nov 2010

How to make a good movie from the obvious point one knows before watching that the story can't have a happy ending? Easily: you write characters that have depth, hire a great cast and run with it!

Bonnie and Clyde is the story of lifestyle criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. They are an odd couple but could love each other any less. One willing to choose a life in crime and possible death (associated with it) to be with the other. The pair runs into some weird associates that accomppany them in their journy to crime and hopefully "a better life when they settle down".

Enough of the story so there won't be any possible spoilers.. Cast in Bonnie and Clyde is well known (Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway riding pretty high at the time) and everyone sits to their roles really well. Beatty has been hailed for his performance but I cant really judge it as I havent seen any of his other movies yet. But he is really believable and if he isn't playing himself (which I doubt) then he does a pretty good job. Faye Dunaway is the sultry leading lady for this kind of movie. She shows a great comic timing along with the otherwise dramatic and seductive performance.

In other roles worth mentioning we seen Gene Hackman playing Clyde's brother and he does good job, playing an unlikeable criminal with a hint of comic relief. Michael J. Pollard does brilliant as a sidekick who knows about cars but obviously isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. I need to mention also that for me he looks like he could be the father of Dominic Monaghan of "Lord of the Rings" and "Lost" fame.

Finally, BIG RESPECT for the director and the writing team to make arguably one of the most daring movies of it's era and having the guts to go with the decisions that might be unfavourable with the wider audience. Having been made in 1967 this most likely made way to pieces like the Clockwork Orange. Obviously some of the violence that made it rated for adults at the time is not much today but you have to view it as an art piece of its generation.