The Screen at Contemporary: Partner in Crime
Jean Luc Goddard once wrote “all you need for a movie is a girl and a gun” so what better way to launch our new film programme The Screen at Contemporary. Partners in Crime. Films about lovers on the run.
Bonnie & Clyde (1967)
dir. Arthur Penn
Based on the real-life outlaws, this film represented much of the counter-culture ethos of the late 60’s. The quintessential partner in crime films, with influences from French New Wave, went on to change modern cinema as we know it.
Gun Crazy (1950)
dir. Joseph H. Lewis
When gun-obsessed pacifist Bart Tare (John Dall) witness’s expert shooter Annie Laurie Starr (Peggy Cummins) demonstrate her firearm prowess at a carnival one night, it's love at first sight. Aimless Bart joins the traveling show and begins a romance with Annie, but her dangerously rebellious spirit soon gets them both fired. A terrific movie that is both a critique of the American dream and B- Movie that has reached cult status.
I’m Gonna Explode (2008)
dir. Gerardo Naranjo
Produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna this sharp Mexican thriller focuses on two outsider teens that rebel against the adult world- not a typical choice, but one that deserves its position in the partner in crime season.
Badlands (1973)
dir. Terrence Malick
Terrence Malick directed this dreamy film that went onto inspire films like True Romance. Inspired by real-life killers Charles Starkweather and Caril-Ann Fugate, this tale of crime and love begins in a dead-end town. Teenage girl Holly (Sissy Spacek) angers her father (Warren Oates) when she begins dating an older and rebellious boy (Martin Sheen). After a conflict between Holly and her father erupts in murder, the young lovers are forced to flee. In the ensuing crime spree, they journey through the Midwest to the Badlands of Montana, eluding authorities along the way.
True Romance (1992)
dir. Tony Scott
Dig out your Hawaiian shirt and heart shaped sunglasses! This Quentin Tarantino penned film became a cult favourite - a love letter to all partner in crime films can before it. A generation fell in love with Clarence & Alabama and the rest was history. Never have the words “Your so cool” been so cool!
Pierrot Le Fou (1965)
dir. Jean Luc Godard
No-one loved a crime film as much as the French New Wave, so there’s no better way to end the season with Jean-Luc Godards contribution to the partner in crime genre. Jean-Paul Belmodo and Anna Karina sizzle on the screen as they steal a car and embark on a crime spree through the French countryside all the way to the Mediterranean. La perfection!