Bonnie and Clyde - More Notes

Story Telling makes this a great film. Not the violence.

Example:

The final sequence uses dramatic irony, elongation and dual plot lines to great effect. In one plotline, Bonnie and Clyde are enjoying some r&r. They are feeling good. Clyde is FINALLY able to consummate sex with Bonnie, the resolution of the sexual dysfunction subplot. Clyde asks Bonnie to marry him. They explore that issue but naturally it ends on a down note, appropriate since this is a dramatic tragedy, where the characters aren't able to overcome their flaws. But the mere discussion resolves the issue.

Simultaneously, in the other plot line, CW's father betrays them. The dramatic irony is that B&C don't know that they've been betrayed, while the audience does. The moment of revelation is when CW's father shakes hands with the law, creating anticipation in the audience for the moment of recognition, when B&C will also know.

Leading up to the final shootout scene, there's some great elongation. B&C chatter about peaches and sunglasses. They look for CW. Instead of immediately driving to their doom, which the audience knows is coming, they dilly and dally and lollygag. The anticipation really builds. Writing principle #2125: use elongation before an anticipated dramatic event to increase tension and suspense.