Bonnie and Clyde

When looking at the way Bonnie and Clyde was edited we can see many different techniques that can be related back to the actions that are going on, on the screen. Throughout the film there are the traditional “cut and paste” techniques, where the scenes move and stream together nicely. This can be observed when the film was slow. This was usually when there was plot development, or when the characters were speaking to one another. These shots were much longer, as they were concentrating on a particular point in time. These shots can be contrasted to the techniques that were more quick and choppy. This editing style was used when the movie was picking up in action. Such as the chase scenes between the gang and the police, which occurred numerous times throughout the film. This type of editing made the film unique in the sense that it kept the audience on their toes. 

A major scene, which is a prominent aspect to the film, is a chase scene that occurs into Oklahoma. This take place just after the gang robs a bank and are being chased by the police. Most of the shots in this scene are very quick, only lasting somewhere between two to four seconds long. When the scene starts, a banjo begins to play a fast pace, upbeat song, which foreshadows how the scene is about to go. It gives the audience a sense of craziness. The scene is cut to show the gang then the police officers in the same place as where the gang was with the gang now in the distance. It cuts back and forth, so that the audience can see that the police are just missing the gang. The first scene shows the Barrows pulling away from the bank and then quickly the camera cuts to the same shot of the bank except with the police now coming around the corner and with the Barrows much further down the road than they were in the earlier shot. This use of the camera is used to link the gap of time that is actually passes between the two cars. This editing style also makes the chase scene more influential because the police seem to be much closer than reality. Again, the audience is on their toes, wondering if they are going to be captured.

It is important to note that in the chase scene there is music. This is the only point in time that there is. I think that this is done on purpose because the movie is about the relationship of the people. It is about their lives and how they are living in a time of depression.

It is also important to point out the earlier conversation or plot building scenes. For example when Bonnie and Clyde first meet, the camera follows them as they walk together. There is a point when the camera stops when an important recognition or finding is being made. For example when Bonnie asks a question, Clyde gives a shocking answer, Bonnie stops, as does the camera. The director wants the audience to stop just like the characters, and think about what we are learning about (in this moment) these characters. What they are saying is important to their development in the story.

Molly Koplos