The film Bonnie and Clyde directed by Arthur Penn tells the story of a young couple who rob banks, commit crimes, and run from the authorities. Bonnie Parker was born in 1910 in Texas, and in 1931 she had a dead end job as a waitress at a cafe. This same year, Clyde Barrow was released from state prison for good behavior. He had been arrested for armed robbery. Bonnie met Clyde outside of her house looking at her mother’s car while she is getting ready for work one day. At first, Bonnie did not believe that Clyde would do such a thing as armed robbery, nor did she think he’d actually use a gun. Clyde then walks into the grocery store and robs it. This begins Bonnie and Clyde’s career in crime. Along the way they pick up C.W. Moss to assist them in their car theft. Clyde’s brother, Buck, and his wife, Blanche, join them on their robbing streak. The Barrow group found it amusing to tease the authorities; they sent in pictures and writings to the newspaper and even took pictures with the sheriff who attempted to arrest them.
As they continue their crimes, Bonnie and Clyde’s relationship develops. Their villainy had deepened their interest in each other. This develops the film’s connection of violence and sexuality. For instance, after the first robbery, Clyde had told Bonnie that he was not much of a lover however, as they continue to break the law, Clyde begins to express more interest in Bonnie. Towards the end of the film, Bonnie and Clyde are fully in love after their criminal activities have reached a peak. This is similar to the message portrayed in Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock. In the film, L.B. Jefferies expressed very little interest in Lisa until she indulges in the investigation of Mr. Thorwald and puts herself in a dangerous situation. However, this message in Bonnie and Clyde is more in line with the French New Wave because it focuses on young characters. Here, the film depicts the often reckless, and thrill-seeking behaviors of young adults.
Overall, I enjoyed the film however, I am still not sure how to feel about some of the main characters. Since they are the focus of the film, and the viewer sees things from their perspective, I feel as though I should sympathize with Bonnie and Clyde. However, I also feel that their wrongdoings make them a bit unlikable, and therefore it is difficult to make up my mind about their deaths.
Intro to Film Studies 