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THE
THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR
review by Joe Mauceri
A mergers and acquisition's billionaire becomes an art theft because his life is boring. However, he meets his match and equal in the female bounty hunter the insurance company sends to recover the priceless work of art. Based on the 1968 film. What makes a film designed for a mature audience so enjoyable is the time filmmakers spend on developing character, creating atmosphere and unfolding a situation. Pacing is a concern, but it never comes at a compromise to the integrity of the film. THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is a cleaver, hot and steamy updating of a classic. The idea of a wealthy man turned art thief out of boredom is skillfully developed, and is more interesting then the original premise. The cat and mouse sparing between Crown and Banning still possess some 1968 colloquialisms, but have a more contemporary edge. The filmmakers maintain a sense of style and fashion, which they push slightly to the background. It is there, but it never gets in the way of the characters or the story. I also liked the edition of the psychiatrist, which works on two levels due to the casting of Faye Dunaway. It creates some contrast and adds color to the character of Crown. Brosnan and Russo are magical together. They have style, grace, chemistry and sensuality. Their sex scenes are as passionate as those in "Body Heat" and "Nine and a Half Weeks," but their scenes have a comfortable honesty to them. Brosnan, who has assumed the mantel of James Bond, has the opportunity to create a character. He delivers a much broader performance then he can as Bond. He proves that he has the hustle and muscle to become a legendary leading man alongside the likes of Cary Grant, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper. Director John McTiernan struts his stuff when it comes to creating the heist sequences. They have skillfully executed and edited them with flare. They have a 70's feel, and remind me of classic heist films such as "The Hot Rock" and "Oceans 11." McTiernan also adds a bit of grander and a sweeping experience. In particular, the hang gliding sequence and the trip to Crown's secret Carribean hideaway. McTiernan gets his cast to do things a bit differently, and it gives the film a European feel. The production design team and art department team should earn several award nominations for their work in recreating the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City. I have been in those rooms and could not tell the difference. Great work. The only problem I had with the film was the disappearing supporting characters. Ben Gazzara has a strong presence at the beginning, playing Crown's lawyer. A third of the way into the film he disappears and is not heard from again. The character has a confidant/father figure quality. They tie up many lose ends in the film and leave this unresolved. Also, something is missing between Crown and the psychiatrist. Again, a similar situation of it lacking one final thought or line between the characters to resolve it, or offer closure. THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is a shining example of an updating of a classic. McTiernan puts a talented cast through their paces to deliver a sleek and sexy winner. With Hollywood fixated on the teen and twenty-something audiences, it's enjoyable to see a talented cast of forty- somethings can heat up the big screen just as well as, and possibly better then. "Yeah baby!" OFFICIAL WEB SITE: |
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