A review of the classic movie”Bonnie And Clyde” (1967)
Loosely based on the exploits of bank robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in Depression era America of 1932-1934, this is very much Warren Beatty’s film: be bought the rights to an early script, he made uncredited contributions to the screenplay, he was producer and he took the role of Clyde. Equally look-looking Faye Dunaway was Bonnie and the sensitive relationship between the two – he insists “I’m no lover boy” – is the emotional heart of the movie. Another member of the gang is Clyde’s brother Buck, portrayed by Gene Hackman, and there was a small role for Gene Wilder.
When the film was first released, it shocked audiences, primarily because of the violence, especially in the final sequence. Remember: this was before “The Wild Bunch” (1969) and “The Godfather” (1972). The work was different in being anti-establishment, almost siding with the criminals, presenting them as supporters of the dispossessed and offering car chases to banjo music in the manner of the Keystone Cops.
The movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including five acting roles and director (Arthur Penn), but only won two. It was a sleeper hit at the box office which showed the popularity of cinema that ignored the Production Code and it initiated a period in the 1970s known as the ‘Hollywood Renaissance’.