Bonnie and Clyde directed by Arthur Penn

The film Bonnie and Clyde was set in the 1930 depression era but was filmed and released in 1967. This film uses the film noir style that was popular during the 60's and was directed by Arthur Penn. The film vaguely follows the true story of bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde but has a lot of added flair to make it more exciting. The film opens with Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker meet for the first time when Clyde is trying to steal her mother's car. The film follows their journey of romance and violence as they embark on a spree of bank robberies and killings. The dramatic ending also strays from what historically happened but nonetheless ends just as violently as it did in real life.

The themes of violence, and sexuality were all closely linked together throughout the film. This film was the first film to show the killer and the victim being killed in the same shot which was very controversial at the time of the shooting. Also, the ending in which Clyde is out of the vehicle helping the person on the side of the road fix a flat while Bonnie sat in the car and the Texas Rangers ambushed and killed them was a scene of great violence. I feel the end highlighted the large amount of violence throughout the film but also the romantic side when the camera cut in to a close-up of Bonnie and Clyde respectively while putting their romantic emotions on display to show the love they had for each other. Bonnie used her sexuality in the film to at first entice Clyde and then later in the film when dealing with Clyde and his impotence. I think Bonnie also used her sexuality to butter up C.W. at the gas station before Clyde persuaded C.W. to join their gang. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this film! I thought it was a great story even though it wasn't historically correct.