COMP 1A: Bonnie and Clyde closing sequence Flashcards
What does the scene of Moss’s dad changing the tyre symbolize?
It symbolizes the generational divide between young baby boomers and their elders
The betrayal by an older generation reflects the context of the anti-war protests led by the baby boomers.
How does the two shot of Bonnie and Clyde relate to second wave feminism?
It alludes to equality protests, including the civil rights movement
Both characters are filmed equally, emphasizing gender equality.
What social justice theme is portrayed in Bonnie and Clyde’s actions?
They help an African American man and his family after their home is repossessed
This illustrates Penn’s attempt to find social justice for the working man.
Who edited the final sequence of Bonnie and Clyde?
Dede Allen
Allen was influenced by French New Wave, evident in the use of jump cuts.
What was Jack Warner’s reaction to Dede Allen’s final edit?
He fired her due to dissatisfaction with the edit
Warren Beatty disagreed with Warner’s decision and paid for Allen’s wages.
What did Penn say about Dede Allen’s role?
He described her as ‘not just an editor but also a constructionalist’
This highlights her significant contribution to the film’s narrative structure.
What aspect of filmmaking did Penn learn about in film school?
He learned about French New Wave
This knowledge influenced his approach as a New Hollywood director.
What was Guffey’s initial reaction to Penn’s vision for realism?
He was unhappy due to his classical training in cinematography
Guffey struggled with controlling lighting in Penn’s more realistic approach.
What effect does the lack of score have in Bonnie and Clyde?
It makes the violence more sickening
The absence of music enhances the film’s realism.
What audience does Bonnie and Clyde primarily target?
A youth audience
This reflects the fragmentation of the American audience post-studio system collapse.
What does Bonnie’s realization of their impending death signify?
It reflects her awareness of mortality and the context of societal violence
This relates to the deaths in Vietnam and the assassination of JFK.
How do Bonnie and Clyde view their deaths?
They appear at peace, seeing themselves as martyrs
This suggests they are willing to die for a cause greater than themselves.
What filming technique did Penn use for the end sequence?
He filmed with 4 cameras at different frame rates
This created effects like slow motion and enhanced the dramatic impact.
What influence did Seven Samurai have on Bonnie and Clyde’s death scene?
It inspired the use of slow motion and absence of score
This technique emphasizes the brutality of the scene.
What was the purpose of the overkill in Bonnie and Clyde’s deaths?
To portray the authorities as villains
The excessive use of bullets serves as a critique of violence and authority.
How is the sheriff depicted to emphasize the theme of villainy?
He appears out of the bushes dressed in black
This visual choice highlights the authority figures’ menacing qualities.
What does the framing of police through the car at the end signify?
It highlights the devastation caused by the authorities
The bullet holes symbolize the violence inflicted on Bonnie and Clyde.
What does the final shot of Bonnie and Clyde signify about resolution?
It cuts to black with no real resolution
This is a rejection of the Classical Hollywood model.
What did Penn say about the system at the time of filming?
‘It wasn’t just that we were sick of the system. At that point, the system was sick of itself’
This reflects the disillusionment with Hollywood conventions.
