"They're young, they're in love, and they kill people." With this tagline, Bonnie and Clyde (1967) took America by storm, going on to become one of the most iconic road movies of all time. The film is original and unique for many reasons including its outstanding acting, a compelling love story with a countercultural subtext, and good cinematography.
Warren Beatty does an excellent job portraying Clyde Barrow as a flawed character. Like Kit in Badlands, Clyde is not a genius but he has the survival instincts of a predator. Beatty, known for his good looks, does a terrific job of portraying an ordinary looking low-level criminal whose exploits attract notoriety. Beatty plays against type in the film:
In an ironic contrast to his public image as playboy, Beatty would play Barrow as impotent - an audacious move which launches his sexual appeal to Bonnie (Faye Dunaway), in a film about 'stick-ups', while the yearning to connect with each other would become a core subtext to Bonnie and Clyde's drama, realised (sp) in the final poignant exchange of looks between the lovers in the final moment before they are murdered. (Lennon)"
Beatty's performance captures Barrow as more of an antihero who is emotionally troubled and whose love for the sexually aggressive Bonnie is hampered by his impotence.
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