Bonnie and Clyde (1967) Film Review: Influential biographical crime drama set the gold standard for modern Hollywood

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Inspired by the real-life outlaw couple and set in the Great Depression-era American South, ex-con Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) and bored waitress Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) instantly strike a romantic connection when they first meet and soon embark on a violent crime spree through the country, stealing cars and robbing banks.

Directed by Arthur Penn, this classic crime drama is a highly influential landmark in American filmmaking. It was initially received with mixed reviews, but went on to win Best Cinematography and a Best Supporting Actress trophy for Estelle Parsons.

Breaking many cinematic taboos at the time, with its graphic depiction of violence, sex, and moral ambiguities surrounding the glamorisation of convicted criminals, the movie paved the way for the New Hollywood era and even now, almost sixty years later, the film's raw energy and power in its edgy storytelling and bold production still packs quite the punch.

Notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are brought to life on the big screen by Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty, respectively

From the opening sequence of our female lead, Bonnie, lying naked on her bed, Penn and his crew never shy away from breaking the norm, showcasing gritty realism and tangible quality, which remains strong throughout the entire picture. Spectators are quickly informed of the notorious couple's real backgrounds through an effective montage of old photographs and on-screen text, helpfully providing exposition before the movie truly begins.

Burnett Guffey's award-winning cinematography exhibits a warm, cosy colour gradient and film grain quality to each frame, with plenty of beautiful shots of the vast rural landscape as our leads travel across the country, slyly and narrowly evading the law. The movie embodies that inviting, nostalgic visual aesthetic most associated with retro cinema of the 1970s.

Collaborating writers David Newman, Robert Benton, and Robert Towne deliver a fresh, modern screenplay, with a wonderfully entertaining, sharp script, leading to plenty of genuinely funny moments and enjoyable banter between the characters. Each member of the cast brings their A game, rising to the challenge of their involvement in such a daring motion picture with ease.

A varied supporting cast creates a cocktail of laughs, as well as providing thoughtful social commentary

Beatty and Dunaway as the titular Bonnie and Clyde have excellent, electric chemistry right from the start, when Bonnie discovers Clyde attempting to steal her mother's car, and the soon-to-be romantic couple engage in playful conversation. Beatty authentically captures the attractive charm and swagger of a loveable scoundrel, whilst also displaying a believable, vulnerable side, which Dunaway matches with her carefree, yet fierce attitude.

There are also brilliant supporting roles from the late-great Gene Wilder as Clyde's older brother, Buck, and a scene-stealing turn from Gene Wilder. Despite only occupying a small section of the run time, he delivers on his reliable, natural hysteria when his character and lover are brought along for a brief ride in the getaway car. His dumbstruck reactions to the ludicrous situation he finds himself in arguably provide the funniest moments in the film.

Despite taking place during the 1930s, the film is often regarded as highlighting the youth counterculture of the 1960s, with its focus on more overt content regarding sexual pursuits and violence. Clyde is humanised and grounded to great effect in the movie as he presents himself as 'no lover boy', meaning he struggles to engage in lovemaking with Bonnie, leading to realistically awkward scenes of failed intimacy, and it is genuinely a sweet moment when they are finally able to succeed in this endeavor.

The concept of youthful rebellion and 'putting it to the man' is a constant theme in the narrative, presented all the more clearly through the numerous light-hearted car chase sequences, as the gang makes a quick getaway from a robbery, accompanied by jovial banjo-led country-style music.

The film's shocking, bloody climax is one of the most memorable in cinema history

However, as history has informed us, being an outlaw is certainly not all fun and games. The law eventually catches up with the gang, leading to deadly consequences and a truly disturbing ending that leaves a lasting impression. The final sequence alone is an incredible feat of screen spectacle and a masterclass in building tension and suspense. A combination of snappy editing with quick cuts and the nauseating display of gun violence, followed by the immediate cut to black, and ending credits, makes for one of the most impactful movie climaxes ever made.

Although there are a handful of dated elements, such as small production errors and a slight dip in pacing during the middle act, Bonnie and Clyde remains the shining standard for Hollywood's new age. Innovative and groundbreaking regarding its daring exploration of taboo subject matter, the film truly feels ahead of its time and sets the precedent for young up-and-coming directors to follow for years to come.

Check out the trailer for Bonnie and Clyde (1967) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!