I had seen the 1999 version of The Thomas Crown Affair several times before I learned that it was a remake. Much like the story goes for me most of the time I’ve had this on my list for a while, but finally got to give it a watch since it’s now streaming.
If you’ve seen the modern version, then you will be familiar with the beats of this original. A rich man is looking for excitement in his life, so he orchestrates a high-dollar robbery. The insurance company sends in its top gun, who just happens to be a very sultry female. Crown and his female nemesis play cat and mouse and fall in love in the process. This leads to a dramatic ending in which the viewer doesn’t know if Crown can pull off another daring act and if his love interest will be there for him in support, or be waiting to shut him down.
First and foremost I want to emphasize just how gorgeous this film is. The way it was presented was probably revolutionary for its time with the picture-in-picture scenes and all of the jump cuts. Add to that the scenery of the ’60s and it all comes together in one beautiful package.
Steve McQueen is one of my all-time favorite actors and he turns in another fine performance here. I’m also familiar with Faye Dunaway’s work, but she has never been more breathtaking on screen than she is in this. Absolutely radiant in not just her beauty, look, and style, but in the way in which she plays her character. She was mesmerizing.
If you’ve seen the modern version and enjoy the premise, then certainly go check out this original version. You already know you like the story, so check it out for the other things I’ve mentioned here.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
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