Day One-Bonnie and Clyde

Tonight, I watched my first movie, Bonnie and Clyde. It is number 42 on the list, and was made in 1967, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. It lost Best Picture to In the Heat of the Night, number 75 on the list.

Now, my original hesitance came from the fact that periodically, my sentiment to classic movies is that I like them only because I am supposed to like them, when in fact I would much rather watch a movie made today, whether or not it is considered a better movie. Don't think I am a huge fan of B list modern movies, but maybe I would prefer The Departed to The Godfather, merely because I think as a sixteen year old, it is easier for me to watch something made in 2006 than 1972 (The Godfather is one of the movies I haven't seen yet, so don't hold me to that comment). Also, let's be real, who doesn't like a good modern shitty movie. However, I honestly felt like I enjoyed Bonnie and Clyde because I enjoyed it, not because it is considered a classic movie and I'm obligated to like it in order to be considered a cultured movie fan. To me, the movie did not feel at all dated, mainly because it is considered one of the first movies in the New Hollywood Era, where the protagonists are anti-heroes and criminals, and the violence is more explicit than in previous movies that might have dealt with similar material.

Although a large portion of the movie felt light-hearted, it was really quite tragic. Once Bonnie and Clyde, and the rest of the gang, come to the realization that their actions as criminals are irrevocable, and fully realize the consequences of their actions, the sheer humanness of these criminal legends really got to me. Bonnie as a character was particularly tragic, for she got into crime because she was looking for an escape from the monotony of everyday life, and found it with Clyde, robbing banks. Even though that is not a typical reaction to discontent with one's life, it is was for her nothing more than an escape, and when she realized her inability to clear her name and start anew, she wished that it all had never happened.

For anyone who is not sure if they are a classic movie fan, I would most definitely recommend Bonnie and Clyde. The acting is great and the action scenes are surprisingly well shot for 1967, even with a 2011 eye. The plot line is most definitely captivating, and the characters are at once despicable and likable.

Day one has been successful. Hopefully my ability to articulate my thoughts on movies will improve as time goes on. I definitely have a lot more movies to watch, so I'm sure it will.