The Thomas Crown Affair (1968): Style Over Substance or Sixties Classic?

“The Thomas Crown Affair,” a 1968 caper film directed by Norman Jewison, stands as a testament to the allure of style, star power, and the swinging sixties. Starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, this film may not be rich in plot, but it brims with elegance and charm, reminiscent of earlier sixties crime flicks like “Charade” (1963), “Arabesque” (1966), and “How to Steal a Million” (1966).

The Thomas Crown Affair Plot: Thin but Engaging

Critics often debate the substance of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” especially when compared to McQueen’s other 1968 hit, “Bullitt.” While “Bullitt” is lauded for its intricate storyline and thrilling car chases, some argue that “The Thomas Crown Affair” offers a simpler, more straightforward plot. Written by Alan Trustman, who also co-adapted the screenplay for “Bullitt,” this film’s narrative could fit into a single episode of “Mission Impossible.” However, what it lacks in complexity, it compensates for with visual splendor and captivating performances.

Award-Winning Music and Unforgettable Fashion

Despite mixed reviews, “The Thomas Crown Affair” earned Oscar nominations for Best Score and Best Song, winning the latter for “The Windmills of Your Mind.” The song’s haunting lyrics, “Like the circles that you find/In the windmills of your mind,” became widely recognized, even making an appearance in a skit on “The Carol Burnett Show” in the 1970s.

Surprisingly, the film did not receive a nomination for Best Costume Design, a notable oversight considering Faye Dunaway’s stunning array of sixties-chic outfits. Dunaway’s entrance, over half an hour into the film, marks the beginning of a fashion parade that continues throughout her screen time. Steve McQueen, sporting blonde hair and sharp three-piece suits, embodies the essence of cool as the titular Thomas Crown.

A Charismatic Anti-Hero

Steve McQueen’s portrayal of Thomas Crown, a bored millionaire orchestrating bank heists for thrills, is both captivating and enigmatic. McQueen revels in the role, exuding charisma as he navigates a series of adventures that include seducing co-stars Astrid Heeren and Faye Dunaway, flying a glider, smoking cigars, playing polo, driving a dune buggy, and participating in an erotic chess scene that remains one of the film’s most talked-about moments.

A Heist to Remember

The film opens with a meticulously planned bank heist, effectively filmed using split-screen images. Among Crown’s accomplices are the talented African-American actor Yaphet Kotto, in one of his earliest roles, and the late character actor Jack Weston. As the police struggle to solve the case, the impossibly stylish insurance investigator Vicki Anderson, played by Dunaway, steps in to track down Crown.

A Battle of Wits and Romance

Vicki Anderson’s pursuit of Thomas Crown is as much a battle of wits as it is a burgeoning romance. Her sharp deductions and sometimes whimsical intuitions keep the audience engaged. Although she dismisses one suspect for looking too “square” to be a clever criminal, it’s clear that the real draw of the film is the chemistry between Dunaway and McQueen.

As Anderson begins to fall for the enigmatic Crown, the film poses a central question: will she prioritize her career over her emotions, or will Crown outsmart the law and win her heart? This tension drives the narrative forward, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Why You Should Watch

While “The Thomas Crown Affair” might not be the most plot-heavy film, it excels in delivering a visual and emotional experience. The allure of watching two beautiful people romance each other in stunning locations, surrounded by opulence, is undeniable. If you haven’t seen this sixties classic, it’s worth a watch for its style, performances, and the sheer charm of its era.

Even if you’ve seen the more recent remake, the original version of “The Thomas Crown Affair” offers a unique glimpse into a time when style often triumphed over substance in cinema. The film’s iconic moments, from the opening heist to the erotic chess scene, remain etched in cinematic history, offering a nostalgic journey through one of the most fashionable periods in film.

In conclusion, “The Thomas Crown Affair” may be short on plot, but it’s long on style, star appeal, and sixties chic. Its legacy endures not just because of its narrative, but because of the indelible mark it left on fashion, music, and the art of cool. Watch it to appreciate a bygone era of cinema where elegance and charisma reigned supreme.