Bonnie and Clyde: Review By ejk1

There are some things worth sacrificing a good night of sleep for. In my opinion, a great movie is one such thing. On the night of February 25th, or more precisely, the early morning of the 26th, TCM aired the 1967 classic Bonnie and Clyde. I had never watched this film before, and even though I had to get up early for my Saturday morning class (yes, a Saturday morning class), I decided that the chance to watch a movie like this was too good to pass up. And you know what the best part of this little anecdote is? I was not disappointed in the least.

Warning Some Spoilers Are Ahead.

The Depression-era story begins rather quickly, as a naked Bonnie Parker (played by the sexy as hell Faye Dunaway) spies on Clyde Barrow (played by the great Warren Beatty) as he is trying to steal her mother's car. After some banter, the duo decide to run away together to do some heists, or as Clyde told a man, "We rob banks." Well, they were somewhat unsuccessful in their attempts, and only when they formed their gang with C.W. Moss (Michael Pollard) and Clyde's brother Buck (Gene Hackman) did the Barrow gang step up their game and become the most notorious thieves since the James gang. The gang captures the imagination of the public, and are glorified for their actions of sticking it to the federal institution of banking, which has failed in its duty to protect the money of the people during the crash. However, the Barrow Gang has also caught the attention of the police, including legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer (played by Denver Pyle, aka Uncle Jesse of Dukes of Hazard). In a fabrication conjured up by Hollywood, the gang catches Hamer, humiliates him, and then inexplicably releases him. This action will eventually come back to shoot them in the ass. And the arms. And the chest. And the face. Literally.

The ending, while predictable (especially if one knows the real story of Bonnie and Clyde), was no less than incredible. It is one of those shocking moments in movie history that, once you see it once, it will stay with you forever. So striking is it in its violence, it cannot be helped but to be seen with deserved awe. The frank depiction of bloody violence in this scene and in other parts of the movie are the inspirations to many movies that have followed over the years.

Another interesting aspect of Bonnie and Clyde is the sexual relationship between the pair. Or rather, a lack of one, due to Clyde's impotence (which required great acting on Beatty's part, in order to make the audience believe that he could not become aroused by Dunaway. Seriously, she was that sexy). After so many years of twin-beds and those somewhat awkward kisses/embraces in movies, Bonnie and Clyde took the opposite approach and was quite candid with the sexual behaviors and desires of the characters. This approach worked wonderfully, especially when Clyde was finally able to rise to the occasion, as the reaction afterwards was pricelessly goofy, and yet had a touch of realism that comes with the first time. Beatty and Dunaway were brilliant in these moments of the film.

Of course, Beatty and Dunaway were perfect in every aspect of Bonnie and Clyde. Beatty was the perfect Clyde Barrow--so self-assured, so self-righteous, yet so inept at times. Beatty rendered a very believable version of a man that believed in a cause, yet went about things completely the wrong way. Likewise, Dunaway was brilliant as Bonnie Parker, which proved to be her breakout role. Proving that she was more than just a pretty face, Dunaway showcased her cache of talent, as she gave true emotional depth to a character that could have been a one dimensional character in the hands of lesser abilities. Of course, Dunaway would leave no doubt years later, when she told everyone that "she's my daughter. She's my sister. She's my daughter. She's my sister..." in Chinatown. After seeing Bonnie and Clyde, my respect for Dunaway has grown, even though she had a diva moment about a week or so ago on an airplane.

The other actors were brilliant as well. Pollard and Hackman were both excellent, but that's just par for the course in Hackman's case. Pyle perfectly played Hamer as one who was bent on revenge, even though historical fact has debunked most of his role in the film as nothing more than typical Hollywood inaccuracies (all in the name of a good story though, right?). On a side note, Hamer's family ended up suing the studio over this depiction, and settled out of court (Wikipedia). Estelle Parsons, as Buck wife Blanche, was excellent, although I must say I found her to be annoying more than anything. She whined, complained, and screamed so much that I was hoping that she would get shot fairly quickly. Astonishingly, at least to me, out of all these performances that would be nominated--Beatty, Dunaway, Pollard, Hackman, and Parsons--it would be Parsons that would walk away with the Best Supporting Actress Award, while the others all went home empty-handed.

One more acting note to make is that of the debut of one of my favorite comedians of all-time. Gene Wilder began his movie career in Bonnie and Clyde with the role of Eugene. It was a short scene, but needless to say, Wilder's moments with the Barrow Gang provided some much needed levity to the violent world the film inhabited.

Much kudos goes to Arthur Penn for daring to take this project where it went. His realistic take on the Barrow Gang was striking, and allowed movie audiences to view violence in a way they have never seen on-screen before. Penn also pulled the correct strings on his performers, getting career defining performances from Beatty, Pollard, and Parsons, and career making performances out of Dunaway and Hackman. Penn, like most of his actors, was nominated for an Oscar, but came away empty-handed. Still, no one can deny his vision was crystal clear in crafting this masterpiece of the 60's.

Over the years, Bonnie and Clyde has gained quite the acclaim. Roger Ebert, for instance, believes Bonnie and Clyde may be the definitive movie of the 60's. The accolades from the AFI have also come in waves. In the original 100 greatest American Films list, Bonnie and Clyde ranked 27th; ten years later it was downgraded to 42 (I'd split the difference and say that it is #35). AFI also called Bonnie and Clyde the 5th greatest gangster film of all-time in 2008, and labeled the characters Bonnie and Clyde together as the 32nd greatest villain(s) in 2003. Personally, I don't feel that Bonnie and Clyde, for all the violence the perpetrated in the film, came off as villains. There are many scenes that made gave them an air of anti-heroes, somewhat in a Robin Hoodesque kind of fashion. Although, it must also be said that perhaps they were just deluding themselves into believing they were doing something good in order to ease their consciences for the innocent blood that they spilt. Regardless, a case can be made for either point of view. I strongly urge readers of this review to take the time and find out for themselves. It may have cost me a good night's sleep, but Bonnie and Clyde will fascinate me for years to come. And that is what makes it all worthwhile.

Bonnie and Clyde. 1967

Nominated for ten Academy Awards; Winner for Best Supporting Actress (Parsons), and Cinematography (Burnett Guffey).

Sources: Wikipedia, rogerebert.com, and AFI.com

I hope you enjoyed the read--ejk1.