Bonnie and Clyde: Saving the Best for Last
In class last week we watched the 1967 film, Bonnie and Clyde, directed by Arthur Penn. Well, in my humble opinion we definitely saved one of the best
films of the semester for last! Having never seen this classic movie I was actually pretty surprised, in a good way, for several different reasons.
The acting, directing and editing in this film are still excellent, even by today's standards. I have seen my fair share of terrible 60's movies (including the 1967
film, The Graduate, which I still consider one of the most overrated of all time) no thanks to my parents! One of the biggest factors that make Bonnie and Clyde one of the best classics of cinema is no doubt the fact that it is based on a true "Wild American" story. It is in our human (call it redneck) nature to be drawn to the excitement of rebellion, running from the law, dodging bullets, or anything irrational and dangerous. Now combine that with an unlikely romance, and you not only the perfect story, but also a film that appeals to everyone!
I have several movie buff friends (like Jesse) that claim this film as one of their all time favorites. I am not sure I would put it at the top of mine, but it is definitely a movie anyone interested in classic cinema or criminology should not miss. Before watching this, I knew bits and pieces of the Bonnie and Clyde story; but I was never quite sure how they had died. This ended up working to my advantage because the end sequence is by far the most powerful moment of the entire film. Once Bonnie and Clyde realize they have been set up, there is a silent pause as they look at each other and subtly smile, knowing their already foreshadowed death is upon them.
Adam Cecil
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