Bonnie And Clyde context And Themes Flashcards
What film is often credited with ushering in the era of New Hollywood?
Bonnie and Clyde
This film changed the entire face of Hollywood almost overnight.
Who wrote the screenplay for Bonnie and Clyde?
David Newman and Robert Benton
They were heavily influenced by the French New Wave.
To whom did Newman and Benton initially send the script of Bonnie and Clyde?
Francois Truffaut
He is known as the originator of the ‘auteur’ theory.
Which filmmaker was initially attached to direct Bonnie and Clyde?
Jean-Luc Godard
The relationship fell apart.
Who bought the rights to the script of Bonnie and Clyde?
Warren Beatty
He was an actor and producer associated with New Hollywood.
Which studio produced Bonnie and Clyde?
Warner Brothers
They were very hostile to the film throughout its production.
What was a significant criticism of Bonnie and Clyde during its production?
Going over-budget and over-schedule
The studio also complained about shooting on location.
What was the reaction of The New York Times to Bonnie and Clyde?
There was a huge critical divide
They fired their critic who was appalled and hired Pauline Kael, who loved the film.
What is one of the first techniques used in Bonnie and Clyde to depict violence?
Squibs
These are small explosive charges placed on actors to simulate bullet hits.
What significant change in film regulation occurred in the same year as Bonnie and Clyde’s release?
The collapse of The Production Code
This helped usher in changes in film violence and content.
How does Bonnie and Clyde portray tonal shifts?
Sudden and strange lurches in tone
It is comedic one moment and violently shocking the next.
What editing style is often rejected in Bonnie and Clyde?
Continuity ‘invisible’ editing
Instead, it uses a choppy, jagged, noticeable editing style.
How does Bonnie and Clyde depict gender portrayals?
Challenges typical gender portrayals
Bonnie is introduced undressed as a powerful character, while Clyde is portrayed as impotent.
What type of characters are the protagonists in Bonnie and Clyde?
Sociopathic murderers
The film often generates sympathy for them.
How is the narrative structure of Bonnie and Clyde described?
Episodic
It isn’t always clear what Bonnie and Clyde ‘want’ in a traditional sense.
What type of soundtrack is used in Bonnie and Clyde?
Non-diegetic soundtrack
It features almost-contrapuntal bluegrass music and complete silence.
What societal movement did Bonnie and Clyde’s rebellious themes appeal to?
The emerging counter-culture of the 1960s
Their youthful rebellion resonated with this movement.
Fill in the blank: The film Bonnie and Clyde was produced by _______.
Warner Brothers
True or False: Bonnie and Clyde was well-received by critics from the beginning.
False
There was a significant divide in critical response.
Fill in the blank: The film was heavily influenced by the _______ New Wave.
French
