The Film Noir Experience

Last night I found out a friend of mine has never seen a Steve McQueen movie before. Ever. In fact, she didn't even really know who he was until she started dating another friend of mine. Then, I learned something that I had didn't know: Steve McQueen movies should be seen in pairs because there are a number of excellent Children's films that owe much of their plot to the classics.

For example, one should watch The Great Escape featuring Mr. McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Coburn, Donald Pleasance, Charles Bronson, David McCallum and James Garner (among others). Then, one should watch Chicken Run.

We talked about some of our favorite Steve McQueen films and this afternoon, after lunch I turned on the telly to discover that The Thomas Crown Affair was on. How lucky am I? The guy introducing the film suggested that the remake was better than the original. Now, I liked the remake. But, I don't think that its better. The guy suggested it was better because John McTiernan's filming style was less complicated and plot obscuring than Norman Jewison's. I liked it, though. And, I never had any trouble following the plot. Rich playboy thinks he's gotten away with the perfect crime. Pretty super-detective always gets her man. You can imagine where it goes. Or, not. You could just see the film. It made chess sexy and exciting. (Although, I have a feeling that Steve McQueen could have made doing laundry, washing dishes, or scooping the litter box sexy and exciting.)