Tags
1960's, Caper, Crime, Faye Dunaway, Jack Weston, Norman Jewison, Paul Burke, Steve McQueen, The Thomas Crown Affair
Film Title
The Thomas Crown Affair
Director
Norman Jewison
Starring
- Steve McQueen as Thomas Crown
- Faye Dunaway as Vicki Anderson
- Paul Burke as Detective Eddie Malone
- Jack Weston as Erwin Weaver
A super stylish crime caper brimming with verve and visual flourishes, The Thomas Crown Affair may occasionally lack depth but that is more than made up for in the lightness of foot and sexy but conflicted chemistry between stars Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway.
Thomas Crown is a suave and dashing business tycoon, who boasts wealth that many would simply die for. Though he has everything he could possibly ask for, he craves adventure and is now bored with the system of riches that he is a part of. So he carefully plots a bank heist, even though he doesn’t have any need for the money. He employs five men to orchestrate this elaborate scheme, making sure that his identity is left unknown to them to avoid any trace back. The plan works and the heist is a success, with Thomas thrilled with the results. Thomas is very pleased with what he’s accomplished, knowing that his plan is pretty much airtight for the most part. Yet those who were affected by the theft are not going to be quiet and soon questions are being raised. Insurance investigator Vicki Anderson, who always gets the job done, is called in to examine this theft and piece it together. Her incentive is 10% of the and with her array of charm, allure and intelligence she manages to pinpoint Thomas as the culprit. But rather than just take him in, Vicki finds herself attracted to the beguiling and wily Thomas. Both know that the other is up to something and yet this doesn’t distract them from falling into passionate clinches with each other. It does however throw a spanner in the works for them as loyalties are severely tested and their affair is proving difficult as well as compromising. The question is, how willing is Vicki ready to look the other way because of her feelings for Thomas or how much will her personal pride and efficiency take control?
Norman Jewison has that cinematic touch and eye for visual impact that this film and needs and forms the backbone of it with a deft clockwork like precision. The use of split screen pushes the movie along with free abandon and lively verve, that keeps the attention for a very long time. The leads play off each other in a game of questioning the other but being extremely attracted at the same time. indecision and allure, along with the potential of possible courtship, despite them being on opposite sides of the law is what makes the core of The Thomas Crown Affair lively and sexy. The best example of this is the almost wordless chess scene where the two eye each other up and gradually tease the other in a game of minds and bodies. Everything is left to the imagination as they embrace and the camera spins, proving that you don’t need copious nudity to be erotic and can be very naughty by suggestion. Though the story is not exactly what you would call thought-provoking, the quick pace and sizzle of things keeps you involved and along for the entertaining ride. The main selling point of The Thomas Crown Affair is the glamour and intrigue it has. The lifestyle of Thomas is enviable and through bright and very colourful moments of polo matches, it’s a fine life that we view for this man who has everything. A brimming score of skittish rhythms and languid romantic strings is simply gorgeous to listen to. The greatest instance of music in The Thomas Crown Affair is Windmills of Your Mind ,which is a hauntingly romantic and apt song that describes the way that Thomas is constantly on the move and a million steps ahead of everyone. The song won an Academy Award and I can see why, it really contributes to the aura of the film and is utilized gorgeously throughout.
In the title role, Steve McQueen is the suave, epitome of cool and collected. His Cheshire Cat smile and smooth demeanor belie a boredom and restlessness with life( even though he has almost everything a man could dream for). As nonchalant as the character seems, McQueen quietly displays the vast intellect and forward thinking that is often not realized by those around him until it is often too late. The best word for McQueen’s portrayal is cool, he is a man who many guys would kill to be and many women would love to be near. Faye Dunaway is the dogged but ultimately torn foil to McQueen’s charms, her unease at her own feelings for Thomas making most of the drama. Dunaway, while being extremely seductive in the part, brings forth the required determination and inner conflict out in varying degrees of nuance. As I previously noted, the rapport between McQueen and Dunaway is excellent and the Sparks are most definitely there, even as personal feelings come into question and stands must be taken that could jeopardize and further heat between the red-hot duo. Paul Burke does good work as the detective on the case, as does Jack Weston playing the getaway driver in the heist set up by Thomas.
Stylish and intricately done, The Thomas Crown Affair has oodles of appeal through its 60’s atmosphere and scintillating partnership of the main leads that essentially bring out more to the film than the story might suffer to some.
beetleypete said:
I think you had to be around at the time, to realise what an impact this film had. Stylish, cool cast, split-screen technology, and a near-perfect soundtrack. The story was neither here nor there. It was a simple triumph of style over substance, and we all loved it.
Cheers, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I wish I was alive back the . It would have been glorious to see it on the big screen and experience it in its prime.
LikeLike
thoughtsallsorts said:
Well written review. I’m really keen to watch this now.
Have a super duper weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I think you’d like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thoughtsallsorts said:
I’ll keep you posted but I’m sure I will. Enjoy Steve McQueen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Steve McQueen was a cool guy.
LikeLike
thoughtsallsorts said:
Absolutely. He made some great movies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, so many classics.
LikeLike
sonofabeach96 said:
I’m down with anything that has Steve McQueen in it! He was terrific, and the epitome of cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
He’s pretty cool here. In that effortless and charming way that only he could do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
fragglerocking said:
I loved this film, so stylish and both main actors aced it. Nice one V~man!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’m a sucker for stylish movies. And you couldn’t have asked for more attractive stars or romance than what these two had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
I like Steve McQueen. We’ll see if we can find it from Netflix or rent it from other carrier. Treat for tonight. Thanks for review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You’ll love this. McQueen is at his debonair best as the eponymous character.
LikeLike
The Showers of Blessing said:
I’ll love it. How do you compare the remake with Pierce Brosnan?
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I haven’t seen the remake actually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
We just finished watching Steve McQueen. My husband said the remake has a different plot – not money, but antique art? I forgot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I may have to check the remake out soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
I like Pierce Brosnan also!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Well he was James Bond so that means I immediately like the guy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
He declined playing the prequel, so Daniel Craig got the role!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I can remember when Craig first got the role.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
Compared with other 007, he is shorter, not the stereotype of 007, but he did well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I thought he brought a grit to the part and made it his own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
Yes, I like him also. I remember him from a movie (name?), he played a small part as a priest. Was it one of the Queen Mary movies?
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I think it was the movie Elizabeth, that chronicled the early years of Elizabeth I and her assuming the persona of strong monarch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
Oh, yes Elizabeth, I haven’t seen any Queen Mary movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
To be fair, Queen Mary is in the film at the very beginning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
I know. I mean the title of the movie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Showers of Blessing said:
I watch the remake a couple times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
keepsmealive said:
Wasn’t sure when I clicked on the link, but was relieved to see it was this one and not the remake!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
You know I have yet to see the remake. I think this version was so slick, it would be difficult to top!
LikeLike
Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
I HAVE TO WATCH THIS MOVIE . IS IT ON NETFLIX? 😀 – TRANG
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
I’m not sure if it’s on Netflix. I had a copy on DVD that was how I watched it.
LikeLike
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
A true classic Vinnie! 💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
So much gorgeous style and appeal from the stars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
John Charet said:
Great post 🙂 Speaking of Steve McQueen, did you ever Junior Bonner and The Getaway? Those are my two favorite Steve McQueen films. They were also both directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
No I haven’t seen either of those films. Appreciate you putting them on my movie radar.
LikeLike
Paul S said:
Nice review my friend. I still haven’t seen The Thomas Crown Affair, which is surprising because I’ve watched almost every Steve McQueen film.
I will echo John’s recommendation of The Getaway, and Junior Bonner which is my favourite McQueen film. A real gem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Oh it comes highly recommended from me Paul. Also appreciate your recommendations too, they have been duly noted.
LikeLike
raistlin0903 said:
I have not seen this movie ( I know shame on me right 😉 ), but I have seen the remake with Pierce Brosnan, which wasn’t half bad really. I also love Steve mcQueen, really liked him in Towering Inferno (such a great movie that one), so I have to check this one out. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
McQueen was devilishly cool and cunning in this film, almost like James Bond minus the spying. A really slick 60’s caper.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cindy Bruchman said:
I fancied this one a lot. You did a great job, Vinnieh, pointing out all that was cool about the film. I was more impressed with Faye and Steve, but the two were a sexy duo for sure! Dig that PG rating. Wow. Things have changed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It was a cool and very retro movie. It showed that you could be sexy and not lewd, particularly in that chess scene. That was hot stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
alexraphael said:
The epitome of cool says it all for me. Really
Enjoyed this film. Really well done and the cast worked super well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Thomas Crown is someone I’d love to be. Just imagine that lifestyle of extravagance and style.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Colin said:
heavily stylized movie and very much of its time but I rather ike it. Dunaway was extraordinarily attractive, although I don’t believe she was much of an actress. I quite like the remake of this as well, it might even be a better film overall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Even if you weren’t sure of the year that this was made, it is unmistakably 60’s. And I think that’s why I love it.
LikeLike
Realweegiemidget said:
Great review- can’t believe still not seen this as my mum a big Steve McQueen fan, but know the Windmills song so now got that tune in my head xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
It’s a song that weaves it’s way into the mind very quickly. It’s a very stylish movie with two attractive stars sporting fine chemistry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pamela said:
I saw the Pierce Brosnan version of this movie and enjoyed it. I’ll have to check out the original and compare the two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
This is super stylish and classic 60’s.
LikeLike