Changes in Hollywood Reflected in Bonnie and Clyde
The year 1967 heralded a significant shift in Hollywood that birthed the New Hollywood era, introducing significant changes in how films were conceived and produced. One crucial change was the overt exploration of violence, blending it with humor, romance, and humanity. The incorporation of graphic violence was an audacious endeavor at the time, defying Hollywood’s conventional approach to on-screen violence.
Arthur Penn’s film, Bonnie and Clyde, is a poignant example of this change (Penn). The film graphically depicted violence, taking an unprecedented step by incorporating bloody scenes that did not shy away from the grisly nature of bullets tearing through flesh and bone. This profound shift from bloodless violence towards explicit portrayal, while shocking to audiences of the time, added a deeper layer of reality, allowing viewers to empathize with the characters’ suffering and demise, an aspect absent in earlier films.
Character-Driven Narrative as a Convention Used in Bonnie and Clyde
Bonnie and Clyde represents New Hollywood and exemplifies a road movie, incorporating several conventions. One such convention is the character-driven narrative set against a journey across vast landscapes. As Hoffman points out, “The essence [of a road movie] is always the same: an outward journey that triggers and signifies its characters’ inward transformation” (Hoffman, par. 1).
Bonnie and Clyde perfectly adheres to this convention. Throughout the film, the characters are on a literal journey, robbing banks, engaging with the law, and entertaining the masses. However, this physical journey is paralleled by their inward transformation from nobodies to infamous gangsters, creating a nuanced character study that allows viewers to engage on a deeper level with the film’s protagonists.
Influence on Modern Films
The changes in 1967 and the ensuing era of New Hollywood continue to reverberate within the contemporary film industry. Today, filmmakers are less restrained in presenting complex narratives integrating violence, sexuality, and political themes. Films no longer shy away from grappling with complex, controversial themes or presenting graphic content, a shift initially introduced by Bonnie and Clyde in 1967. This freedom to explore and push boundaries has led to a richer diversity of stories, with characters and narratives that more closely mirror the complexities of human life. Thus, the impact of 1967 on the film industry cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for a new wave of cinematic storytelling that continues to shape the landscape of contemporary cinema.
Works Cited
Hoffman, Jordan. “From Easy Rider to Nebraska: The Road Movie’s Allure.” BBC Culture. 2022. Web.
Penn, Arthur. Bonnie and Clyde. Warner Bros./Seven Arts, 1967.