Arthur Penn’s extraordinary classic about the lives of two notorious bank robbers.
Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty star as the title roles, depicting Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow during their career of crime which raged through the U.S. during the thirties. We see a dramatized account of their relationship, romantically portraying them robbing stores and banks, eluding the authorities, and engaging in shoot-outs with the cops, which ultimately led them to be depression-era celebrities.
Gene Hackman also stars in an early role, as Clyde’s brother Buck - a man pulled between his brother’s criminal lifestyle and his wife’s morals, whilst Michael J. Pollard plays a runaway car mechanic who joins the gang as the getaway driver.
As the group become increasingly famous across the states, their experience of the criminal lifestyle changes, and the excitement turns to paranoia and fear. In addition, the cops begin the blame any crime they can on the infamous “Barrow Gang”, regardless of their involvement.
A spectacular cinematic achievement, Bonnie and Clyde is an enduring crime classic for its wide appeal, and daring representation of violence. The plot contains plenty of action, romance and comedy (in particular once Gene Wilder arrives for a short cameo), and represents the era with a delicate authenticity.
Reminiscent of the genius of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, if you are a fan of classic cinema, this is a must-see.
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