Bonnie and Clyde - Opening Sequence

Question 1

What is the first shot?

Answer 1

• an extreme close up of Bonnie’s lips
• complete opposite to rules established by Classical Hollywood
• sexualised image of women licking lips
• suggests the film will explore her sexual identity

Question 2

What is the quote used as a rejection of Old Hollywood?

Answer 2

“Wasn’t just that we were sick of the system. At that point, the system was sick of itself.”

Question 3

How does the opening scene differ from Casablanca’s opening?

Answer 3

• against the Hay’s Code - B+C nudity in opening sequence
• lack of score in B+C
• no establishing shot
• woman in control - high//low angles
• on location

Question 4

How is the gender equal?

Answer 4

• equal screen time

Question 5

When Bonnie strokes the gun and drinking from the coke bottle, what does this suggest?

Answer 5

• sexual behaviour
• sexually liberated behaviour - in touch with her desires

Question 6

Bonnie looking down to Clyde, suggesting?

Answer 6

• Bonnie is more dominant upon Clyde
• low angle shot