Boucher, Geoff. "The stickup that shook it up; Warren Beatty and Arthur Penn recall how their cinematic spree of 'Bonnie and Clyde' transformed Hollywood." Los Angeles Times 23 Mar. 2008. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis. 26 Mar. 2008. http://proxy.library.upenn.edu:5591/us/lnacademic/returnTo.do?returnToKey=20_T3420152182


The Los Angeles Times article interviews Warren Beatty and Arthur Penn to provide unique insight into the production and impact of Bonnie and Clyde. Boucher describes Bonnie and Clyde as a “jarring film” full of bloody realism, thrills, and anti-establishment themes. While some critics and older viewers saw the film as a sign of amoral society, the film really resonated with young audiences because it was new and different. Penn called the film “part Texas, part Paris”, which signifies the integration of American themes and French New Wave cinema. Additionally, Beatty recalls how Jack Warner consistently reminded him of “who’s name was on the water tower” to assert his power. Regardless, Penn and Beatty agreed not to change the script or the graphic depiction of violence; defying a studio head was a groundbreaking move. Furthermore, instead of filming on the Warner lot, Penn moved production to small towns throughout Texas to enhance the realism of the film and depict the desperation of the rural countryside. Both Beatty and Warner recall how they were unaware of how influential the film would be.
These interviews lend unique, first-hand support to the idea that Bonnie and Clyde changed Hollywood institutions and set new standards. Penn and Beatty both acknowledge that they did things their own way, and not necessarily how things had been done in the past, which contributed to the immense success of this film. They inspired a new generation of filmmakers who had a personal vision, and attracted younger audiences by breaking tradition.