As I watched again and again the (new) Thomas Crown Affair, I realize I came to enjoy it more and more. Dense entertainment: action, tumultuous and steamy romance, inspired direction from McTiernan ("Die Hard", "The Hunt for Red October"), and appropriate musical score. Good performances from Brosnan, Russo and Leary. A tour-de-force for Rene Russo ("tougher" in her portrayal of the insurance agent than Faye Dunaway in the original affair), considering the fact that in real life she is very much unlike the character she plays in this movie (see Russo's press and TV interviews). Kudos for Pierce Brosnan - much better and diversified delivery here than in all his three James Bond impersonations. (The wonder of the last 007, "The World Is Not Enough", is Sophie Marceau - not just good looking, but a good actress !)
No, I am not saying we should ever go out steal Manet, Monet, Degas, ... as a passe-temps, but, we do like this film because no matter who we are, deep-down in our subconscious mind lies the desire to be successful, which, somehow means being wealthy enough to allow us to indulge, satisfy all our needs, whims, and caprices, to be "rewarded" with an absorbing and adventurous life.
Pierce Brosnan and Renee Russo's affair is, perhaps, more alert, technical, and graphic (adapted for the 90's) than the original one involving Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. I have distinct praise for the 99 rendition of this fantasy, but I believe Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway are better actors (watch their other films), and their 68 performance is just better. Do not trust me ! Watch both films on DVD or VHS, and decide. Steve McQueen has presence, is sure of himself (that is what makes a man sexy !), and Faye Dunaway does not have to wear a see-through dress to make us feel she is sophisticated, beautiful, and desirable. The dialogues there are shorter, sparse, and to the point. Exquisite direction (and good use of the split-screen tech) from Norman Jewison teaming with Michel Legrand who raved us with the Oscar winner "Windmills of My Mind". The 68 "chess seduction scene" (subtle touching, teasing, warm eyes) has no equal in the 99 film, and the "chemistry" between the characters played by McQueen and Dunaway is more intense.
There is more entertainment packed in the 99 film, while there is more film in the 68 entertainment ! Enjoy both affairs
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For the Hollywood remake rule, which dictates that an update of an older film be inferior ... more
to the original in almost every aspect,The Thomas Crown Affairstands as a glorious exception. The original 1968 film, starring a dapper Steve McQueen and a radian...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
For the Hollywood remake rule, which dictates that an update of an older film be inferior ... more
to the original in almost every aspect,The Thomas Crown Affairstands as a glorious exception. The original 1968 film, starring a dapper Steve McQueen and a radian...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Thrill-seeking billionaire Thomas Crown (Brosnan) loves nothing more than courting ... more
disaster - and winning! So when his world becomes too stiflingly "safe" he pulls off his boldest stunt ever: stealing a priceless painting - in broad daylight - from on...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Thrill-seeking billionaire Thomas Crown (Brosnan) loves nothing more than courting ... more
disaster - and winning! So when his world becomes too stiflingly 'safe' he pulls off his boldest stunt ever: stealing a priceless painting - in broad daylight - from one...
![The Thomas Crown Affair [DVD] [1999]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78531039.jpg "The Thomas Crown Affair [DVD] [1999]")
Aug 12th, 2000
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