The Thomas Crown Affair

Rating:
Summary: Underappreciated Dunaway
Review: Of course, McQueen is ultimately going to dominate the film. After all, it is called "The Thomas Crown Affair" and not "The Miss Vicki Affair." Yet, it may be that Faye ultimately "got" the core of her character, whereas there was an element of unease and uncertainty about McQueen's performance, probably stemming from his casting against type (and the first choice for the role being S. Connery). I have seen this movie described as the first time the "bad" guy got away with his crime AND the audience were rooting for him to do so. True and remarkable enough. But note also that Dunaway's response to her realization that, yes, he has gotten away with it and taken her for a ride (etc.) to boot: she laughs uproariously both with astonishment and joy. So, as far as the existentialist statement is concerned, her reaction is equally as crucial as McQueen's action. This film, along with "Chinatown" and "Network," surely ranks as one of the best female performances in the era of film (plus the bonus of Dunaway's stunning good looks).

Rating:
Summary: "Cat and Mouse" At Its Finest
Review: Once again, why did they ever even think of remaking this movie? Steve McQueen is at his best in his portrayal of Thomas Crown, a wealthy genius who is a mastermind for constructing elaborate bank robberies. I really enjoyed the music in this film, particularly the way it interacts with the director's (Jewison) use of split screens. While it's a dated technique, it really helps move the plot along without unnecessary cutting. Additionally, the anonymity of his accomplices and the way that several loose ends come together to form the perfect robbery is best captured by this technique, in my opinion.

Beyond McQueen's powerful performance, Faye Dunaway blows Rene Russo's remake performance out of the water. Dunaway is smart, sexy, and knows how to handle herself. While it's a bit slow in some parts, this movie is a psychological piece that focuses primarily upon the "cat and mouse" interplay between McQueen and Dunaway. This is a "battle of wits" movie-not a pure action flick, as the remake might have you believe. The ending is also extremely well done. Rather than end on a typical Hollywood note, the final scenes of this film will leave you perplexed and wanting more of this film. With one of the longest screen kisses I've ever seen and the famous "chess" sequence, this film is a classic that definitely belongs in your video library.

Rating:
Summary: "Cat and Mouse" At Its Finest
Review: Once again, why did they ever even think of remaking this movie? Steve McQueen is at his best in his portrayal of Thomas Crown, a wealthy genius who is a mastermind for constructing elaborate bank robberies. I really enjoyed the music in this film, particularly the way it interacts with the director's (Jewison) use of split screens. While it's a dated technique, it really helps move the plot along without unnecessary cutting. Additionally, the anonymity of his accomplices and the way that several loose ends come together to form the perfect robbery is best captured by this technique, in my opinion.

Beyond McQueen's powerful performance, Faye Dunaway blows Rene Russo's remake performance out of the water. Dunaway is smart, sexy, and knows how to handle herself. While it's a bit slow in some parts, this movie is a psychological piece that focuses primarily upon the "cat and mouse" interplay between McQueen and Dunaway. This is a "battle of wits" movie-not a pure action flick, as the remake might have you believe. The ending is also extremely well done. Rather than end on a typical Hollywood note, the final scenes of this film will leave you perplexed and wanting more of this film. With one of the longest screen kisses I've ever seen and the famous "chess" sequence, this film is a classic that definitely belongs in your video library.

Rating:
Summary: A classic... a pity Dunaway wardrobe looks so OUT...
Review: Probably one of McQueen's more sophisticated films... down to the Rolls-Royce Coupe (why they ever did a two doors eludes me...)... the butler... and the cigars...
VERY COOL FILM for it's time... I still prefer this version to the recent remake...
The only thing wich does not stand well the passing of time is the wardrobe of Dunaway (specially the hats!...), contrary to the stylish Hitchcock's outfits for his "blondes"... see "The Birds", or "North by Northwest" and see the difference it makes... they look NOT AT ALL OUTDATED... but well... that is the only minor criticism...
The use of a fragmented screen with different action playing simultaneously is still a major breakout in film narrative...
AND THE SCRIPT IS GOOD/AVERAGE...
A CLASSIC MUST SEE FILM.

(and do not forget the excellent soundtrack with NILSSON...)

Rating:
Summary: "Crime Does Pay"
Review: Shot on location in Boston, this sexy,slick,late 60's crime drama hits the jackpot.The movie stars Steve Mcqueen and Faye Dunaway,who are perfect chess companions.Norman Jewison directs with an adroit european touch.There is some nice multi-image camera work and the academy award winning song "the windmills of your mind".This dvd version looks crisp and is in widescreen with director Norman Jewison's audio commentary.George Liguori.

Rating:
Summary: Original!
Review: Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway outshine Russo and Brosnan. The sexual tension in the original is fantastic compared to Russo walking around half naked and dumb! Watch the original......it's worth it!

Rating:
Summary: Did We Really Call this Acting During the 60s?
Review: Steve McQueen can arch his eyebrow and smoke a cigarette very well. These are his main contributions to the film and his craft. Faye is a mannequin. Her primary contribution is pinpointing Crown as the suspect because he was not a "square". Her character is 60s trite. Unless you need to cure a raging case of insomnia, avoid this film. The 90s version is redemption.

Rating:
Summary: Dated, enjoy the new release with its greater sense of story
Review: The first release has a place in history but it is dated and fails to connect the viewer to the characters as the new release does. McQueen is stiff although Dunaway is not. Film editing is dated and opts for 70's technique which may interest film buffs for that matter alone. Can only recommend seeing it inlight of the new release. Otherwise, this film is not worth the viewers time or money. See "Bonnie and Clyde" for Dunaway at her best. See "The Great Escape" for McQueen at his best. It is also better to see the old version first than the new version. The other way around will only have you returning the tape early.

Rating:
Summary: Every man's dream to do what Thomas Crown does!
Review: The movie even though it is dated with fashion was a great script with very little dialogue. The main feature was the story of a man who has everything and finds a way to break-out of his routine and live life at the edge. Very brillant and fast moving with a surprise ending!

Rating:
Summary: a must see movie
Review: The original Thomas Crown Affair of Norman Jewison (Director) is a must see movie to the remake. the soundtracks, an award winning song 'windmills of your mind', the thrill on watching this movie through this dvd version looks great.