*Bonnie and Clyde is a 1967 crime film directed by Arthur Penn. It is a landmark film that redefined the depiction of violence in cinema and is considered a classic of the "New Hollywood" era. The movie tells the story of the notorious criminal couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, who were active during the Great Depression.
Here's a brief summary of the plot:
The film opens with Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) working as a waitress in a small Texas town. She meets Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty), a charming ex-convict, when he tries to steal her mother's car. Despite Clyde's criminal background, Bonnie is drawn to his charisma, and the two quickly form a romantic and criminal partnership.
The couple embarks on a crime spree, robbing banks and evading the law across several states. They are joined by Clyde's brother Buck (Gene Hackman) and his wife Blanche (Estelle Parsons), forming the Barrow Gang. The media romanticizes Bonnie and Clyde, turning them into folk heroes for some who see them as rebels against the harsh economic conditions of the time.
As the gang's crimes escalate, law enforcement intensifies efforts to capture them. The film explores the dynamics of the Barrow Gang, their relationships, and the violent consequences of their criminal activities. The narrative culminates in a violent and dramatic climax as law enforcement closes in on Bonnie and Clyde.
Bonnie and Clyde is known for its stylish direction, innovative use of violence, and the portrayal of the main characters as complex and sympathetic figures despite their criminal actions. The film was groundbreaking in its time and is often considered a key work in the evolution of American cinema during the 1960s.
Cast
- Warren Beatty as Clyde Chestnut "Champion" Barrow
- Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Elizabeth Parker
- Michael J. Pollard as C. W. Moss (composite character of W. D. Jones and Henry Methvin)
- Gene Hackman as Buck Barrow
- Estelle Parsons as Blanche Barrow
- Denver Pyle as Frank Hamer
- Dub Taylor as Ivan Moss
- Evans Evans as Velma Davis
- Gene Wilder as Eugene Grizzard
Director: Arthur Penn
Writers: David Newman, Robert Benton
Box Office Gross: $23,000,000
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Genre: action biography crime drama
Release Date: August 13, 1967