Review: The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Checking the paper this morning (Sat 7-24-99), I noticed that there was a sneak preview of 'The Thomas Crown Affair' showing at one of the local theaters. Now, all I knew of this was that it was a remake of a film I have not seen, and that the premise was a lot like 'Entrapment.' Well, with nothing better to do, I decided to catch it to see if it was any good. I like Pierce Brosnan, and have very much enjoyed John McTiernan's work. Though I haven't heard any hype about the film, the theater was packed and I think a major marketing campaign needs to be launched for this masterpiece. Yes, I said masterpiece. I am so happy I caught this one. This movie is perfection.

While as I describe the plot, some of you will be thinking "sounds like 'Entrapment'", but I assure you that : 1. This is a remake of a movie that came out in 1968. And 2. This is a much better film. The film is about a very successful business man, who is also a thrill-seeker. Along with crashing expensive boats, making large bets on the golf course, and flying gliders; he is an art thief. After a heist, Thomas Crown (Brosnan) becomes the suspect of an insurance investigator (Rene Russo) and a police detective (Denis Leary). Things become more complex when not only does the sly Thomas Crown make things seem more like a game, but also when he and Russo's character fall for each other.

The acting in this film is superb. all the performances were not only engaging, but also fun. I've yet to see the original, but I do bet that Brosnan holds up next to Steve McQueen in the original. He has so much presence, that I was very impressed he carried so much energy into any other role than Bond. Don't get me wrong, he's a solid actor. He always has been. However, here his energy level is way up on his scale. I'd say that this was his best performance since the 'Around the World in 80 Days' TV mini-series. Russo is a great actress. Why she isn't one of the top paid actresses in Hollywood, I'll never know. I hope she gets her due. She is truly amazing to watch on screen. Denis Leary plays his detective role perfectly. Toned down is his usual mannerism, but his acting ability is always improved upon from film to film. He is usually good, but I think that this is his best performance to date. He plays himself only enough to make the character a little bit edgy, but with welcome restraint. I didn't catch the other actor's names in the film, but they were all good in their respective roles. What I thought was a nice touch to the film was Faye Dunaway (who was also in the original, playing the investigator) showing up as sort of a shrink for Crown.

The writing on this, for a remake (or rather; much updated, and 'based on' film) was excellent. 'Based on' Alan Trustman's 1968 script, the writing team of Peter Doyle, Leslie Dixon, and Kurt Wimmer have made this all their own. A very intriguing story, filled with great dialogue and exciting turns and twists. John McTiernan is one of the best directors working. He keeps this almost two hour movie as tight and engaging as possible. He does this in spades. The look and feel is great. The pace is just right, and we are never, ever bored during the film. Great script, plus great director and great performances equals outstanding movie.

This movie has so many charms throughout. Be it in the writing, directing, the performances, or all of the above. 'The Thomas Crown Affair' is a mature film, but it is a must-see and I hope it is a major, or at least moderate success. It has so much class and it never allows you to lose interest. I say that this is a masterpiece because it is both great modern story-telling, and it is made in that classy way the 'classic' films are made. Do not let this gem get past you.

	Running Time: 115 Min \| Rated R \| US Release: August 6th \| More >>

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