Bonnie and Clyde (1967) / Drama-Romance

MPAA Rated: M (mature) -- Would be an R for strong violence and sexuality
Running Time: 111 min.

Cast: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman, Estelle Parsons, Denver Pyle, Dub Taylor, Evans Evans, Gene Wilder
Director: Arthur Penn
Screenplay: David Newman, Robert Benton
Review published November 29, 1998

Bonnie and Clyde is based on a notorious but true story.  The events are set in the 1930s, dealing with a recently released bank robber, Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty, Heaven Can Wait) who hooks up with a small town waitress, Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway, The Thomas Crown Affair), who is looking to get out of her humdrum life. Together, they go on a bank robbing spree across America's heartland.

Bonnie and Clyde is a classic film, still stylish and highly imaginative to this day, in its refreshing telling of the legend of Bonnie and Clyde. While the film is, on the one hand, effectively portraying the appeal of a life of crime, on the other, it is also unflinching in its portrayal of the consequences of such actions.

Beatty and Dunaway are consummate perfection in the lead roless, while Arthur Penn's (Alice's Restaurant, Little Big Man) complex direction is near flawless -- probably the best work he's ever done. The authentic sets, terrific costumes, and permeating atmosphere all add up to making Bonnie and Clyde a compelling, superb form of timeless entertainment. 

 Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo