CCC Reviews
The Thomas Crown Affair
Reviewed by: JenT99
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this movie. I'd heard some
great things about the original, but I wasn't sure if the remake would
measure up. The bare plot of the movie was actually very similar to that of
"Entrapment," so I was a bit skeptical, but hopeful. My hopes were answered:
I was pleasantly surprised to find a movie that actually measured up to my
expectations. "The Thomas Crown Affair" not only sounded interesting, it was
actually very well done. The story was intricate and engaging, the acting
was topnotch, the camera shots and lighting creative, and the music very
pleasing. The plot is as follows : a priceless Monet painting is
mysteriously stolen from a museum. Intent on finding the criminal and
earning a big commission, a sultry insurance officer (Renee Russo) targets a
prominent local entrepreneur (Pierce Brosnan) as a key suspect. Along the
chase, the drama and romance heighten.
Both Brosnan and Russo turned in superb performances, although I must
agree with newspaper critics that the pair lacked "chemistry." Honestly
though, what woman has "chemistry" with Pierce Brosnan, the symbol of
bachelorism? The man is a legend; he's been type-caste as "James Bond," the
suave British man, the ultimate "playuh," the number one "Mac-daddy," the man
too smarmy to be tied down in a serious relationship. The consequences are
unavoidable -- Pierce Brosnan is now unable to convincingly fall in love on
screen.
Personally, I thought Russo and the police detective (Frankie Faison) actually had better
"chemistry." (Perhaps the director wished to show contrast between the
by-the-book detective and the impulsive businessman.) I enjoyed the
bantering dialogue exchanged between the two: great performance by both.
Faye Dunaway (who starred in the original "The Thomas Crown Affair"),
also made a great supporting performance, playing Mr. Crown's psychologist.
I enjoyed seeing Dunaway in the new movie and was impressed by her sharp
performance.
Technically, the movie was very creative. I was intrigued by the
artistic camera angles and dramatic lighting, although at times I felt that
the technical artistry drew away from the movie. A little more subtlety may
have been nice. The musical sound track was excellent. I especially enjoyed
the soft piano tunes.
Overall, the movie was well done. I haven't seen the original and can't
compare the two, but I must say that this version was put together very well.
Be forewarned, however, this movie is not just eye-candy. It requires an
attentive audience willing to sit through a few "long" periods, and alert
enough to catch the witty bantering exchanged between the characters -- but
if you're quick enough to catch the clever lines and charming quirks of this
movie, "The Thomas Crown Affair" is well worth staying awake for.
Scores for The Thomas Crown Affair
JenT99 -- 
-- "Very pleasing."
RyoKazama534 -- -- "Many different twists on things, but well done."
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