Review of The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) by Matt S — 17 Mar 2011

I pulled this one off the shelf decided to get reacquainted with that which made me throw it on my list so many years ago and to give a more adaquate review. In one word I thought the film was sophisticated. Of course adjectives are subjective and this is just one example of how that word is defined for me.

Thomas Crown alone brings a slight smile to my face in almost each of his scenes: I love his power, wealth, obsessive need to live life completely on the edge - full of risks and adventure, his refinement and cunningness and always being a step or two or three ahead of everyone else's game. I love the character and I thought Pierce Bronsnan played him well!

I liked Rene Russo as Catherine. Less tailor-made for the role than Brosnan but I'm glad an experienced actress was picked to play the role as it would be quite unbelievable that a woman of youth lacking worldly experience would be able to figure out and keep up with Mr. Crown and too many times Hollywood makes that sacrifice. I also enjoyed her Character, her intelligence and ability to keep up with "Tommie" using all 200% of her cunning femininity against all 200% of his cunning masculinity..hot! ?

Needless to say, I enjoyed the dynamic of their relationship and how they did fit. There were probably one too many nude scenes, but it didn't distract my attention enough to reevaluate my overall opinion of the film. Of course, I loved the ending; the unsuspecting business men in bowler hats made me smile from ear to ear, referencing Catherine's initial perception of TC's personal character, what a clever idea! And I did not suspect the painting to be where it was, not for one second so that mischievousness brought a huge smile to my face.

Having never seen the original I don't have anything to compare this remake to, but to be perfectly honest, I don't care to ever see the original because I am completely satisfied with this one. When I seen it so many years ago I remember thinking that it was different, for me anyway. I wouldn't say that it was complicatingly intellectual but more shrewd cat & mouse. I think the film was sexy, sensuous & sophisticated and I loved It. But of course as I said, adjectives are subjective and this is simply my take.