Arthur Penn was an American film director and producer, known for his innovative and influential work in the 1960s and 1970s.
He is often credited with helping to usher in a new era of American cinema, characterized by greater artistic freedom and a willingness to address controversial and taboo subjects.
Here are some of the best Arthur Penn films:
“Bonnie and Clyde” (1967) – This iconic crime drama stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as the infamous bank robbers Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important movies of the 1960s.
“Alice’s Restaurant” (1969) – This comedy-drama is based on the song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” by Arlo Guthrie, and it follows the misadventures of a group of young hippies in rural Massachusetts during the late 1960s.
The film has become a cult classic and is known for its irreverent humor and anti-establishment themes.
“Little Big Man” (1970) – This epic Western stars Dustin Hoffman as Jack Crabb, a 121-year-old man who recounts his experiences as a frontiersman and his interactions with Native Americans, including his adoption into a Cheyenne tribe.
The film was praised for its anti-racist themes and its innovative use of flashbacks and non-linear storytelling.
“The Miracle Worker” (1962) – This biographical drama tells the story of Helen Keller (played by Patty Duke), a deaf and blind girl who learns to communicate with the help of her teacher Annie Sullivan (played by Anne Bancroft).
The film was a critical and commercial success, and it earned several Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Bancroft.
Best Arthur Penn Movies
Arthur Penn was a talented filmmaker who brought a unique and innovative vision to his movies.
His films often tackled controversial subjects and challenged traditional Hollywood conventions, and they continue to be influential and widely admired today.
1. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
“Bonnie and Clyde” is a classic American crime film released in 1967, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway.
The film is based on the real-life story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, a notorious couple of bank robbers and murderers who terrorized the central United States during the Great Depression.
The film follows Bonnie and Clyde as they meet and fall in love, and begin a spree of robberies and killings across several states.
Along the way, they recruit a gang of accomplices, including Clyde’s brother Buck (Gene Hackman) and his wife Blanche (Estelle Parsons), and become folk heroes to many Americans who are sympathetic to their anti-establishment message.
“Bonnie and Clyde” is known for its stylish direction, innovative editing, and groundbreaking portrayal of violence and sexuality.
The film features several iconic scenes, including a brutal shootout that shocked audiences with its graphic violence and realistic depiction of death.
“Bonnie and Clyde” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is now considered a classic of American cinema.
The film has been praised for its brilliant performances, sharp screenplay, and innovative direction, and is often cited as a landmark in the history of Hollywood filmmaking.
2. Alice’s Restaurant (1969)
Alice’s Restaurant is a comedy-drama film released in 1969, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Arlo Guthrie, who also wrote and performed the film’s title song.
The film is based on Guthrie’s song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” which tells the true story of an incident in Guthrie’s life.
Here are some reasons why you should watch Alice’s Restaurant:
Memorable soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack, featuring Arlo Guthrie’s iconic song “Alice’s Restaurant,” is a highlight of the film.
The folk music captures the spirit of the 1960s and adds to the film’s overall atmosphere and tone.
Humorous and poignant storytelling: The film is a mix of humor and drama, with poignant moments interspersed throughout.
The story follows Arlo Guthrie as he navigates the counterculture of the 1960s, including his experiences with the draft and his friendship with Alice and Ray, the owners of a local restaurant. The film’s blend of humor and heart makes for an engaging and memorable viewing experience.
Cultural and historical significance: Alice’s Restaurant is a snapshot of the counterculture of the 1960s, and it captures the spirit of the era in a way that is both entertaining and informative.
The film addresses issues such as the Vietnam War, social justice, and the hippie movement, and it provides a unique perspective on a tumultuous time in American history.
Watching Alice’s Restaurant can provide valuable insight into the cultural and political landscape of the era.
![Alice's Restaurant [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nrXk2+k1L.jpg)
3. The Miracle Worker (1962)
“The Miracle Worker” is a biographical film based on the life of Helen Keller, a deaf-blind child who is taught to communicate by her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
The film was directed by Arthur Penn and released in 1962. Here are some key details about the movie:
Cast: Anne Bancroft played the role of Anne Sullivan, while Patty Duke played the role of Helen Keller. Other cast members included Victor Jory, Inga Swenson, and Andrew Prine.
Plot: The film tells the story of Anne Sullivan’s efforts to teach Helen Keller to communicate, despite the child’s physical and emotional challenges.
The movie explores the relationship between Anne and Helen, as well as the struggles faced by Helen’s family and those around her.
Production: The film was based on the play of the same name by William Gibson, which had premiered on Broadway in 1959.
Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke had both starred in the original stage production, and reprised their roles for the film adaptation.
The movie was shot on location in Tuscumbia, Alabama, where Helen Keller had grown up.
Reception: “The Miracle Worker” was a critical and commercial success, receiving several Academy Award nominations and winning two, including Best Actress for Anne Bancroft.
The movie is still regarded as a powerful and moving portrayal of the relationship between Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller, and has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times over the years.
4. Little Big Man (1970)
“Little Big Man” is a 1970 Western film directed by Arthur Penn and based on the novel by Thomas Berger.
The film tells the story of Jack Crabb (Dustin Hoffman), a white man raised by the Cheyenne Indians who becomes an eyewitness to key historical events of the American West, including the Battle of Little Bighorn and the massacre at Wounded Knee.
The film uses Crabb’s experiences to subvert common Western film tropes and to offer a critique of American history and imperialism.
It portrays the Cheyenne Indians in a sympathetic light and challenges the myth of the heroic cowboy. The film also includes humorous and surreal elements, such as Crabb’s interactions with Wild Bill Hickok (played by Jeff Corey).
“Little Big Man” received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its unconventional storytelling, powerful performances, and incisive social commentary. It was a box office success and has since become a cult classic.
The film’s legacy has endured, with its impact on the Western genre and its exploration of issues such as cultural appropriation and the treatment of Native Americans remaining relevant today.
5. Night Moves (1975)
“Night Moves” is a 1975 neo-noir mystery film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Gene Hackman, Jennifer Warren, and Susan Clark.
The film follows Harry Moseby (Gene Hackman), a private investigator who is hired to find a missing teenage girl in the Florida Keys.
As Moseby begins to investigate the case, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit and corruption, uncovering dark secrets about the girl’s past and the people she was involved with.
Along the way, Moseby also grapples with personal issues, including a failing marriage and a sense of disillusionment with his own life.
“Night Moves” is notable for its moody atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plot, as well as its use of the Florida Keys as a setting.
It is considered one of the best neo-noir films of the 1970s, with its exploration of themes such as morality, identity, and the nature of truth.
Gene Hackman’s performance as Moseby is widely regarded as one of his best, with his portrayal of a troubled and cynical detective earning critical acclaim.
The film also features a memorable supporting cast, including Jennifer Warren as a mysterious actress and Susan Clark as Moseby’s estranged wife.
Overall, “Night Moves” is a masterful example of the neo-noir genre, with its complex narrative, strong performances, and haunting atmosphere making it a classic of 1970s American cinema.
6. The Chase (1966)
“The Chase” is a 1966 American drama film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, and Robert Redford.
Based on a novel by Horton Foote, the movie tells the story of a small Texas town thrown into chaos when a local man named Bubber Reeves (played by Redford) escapes from prison and goes on the run.
The film deals with themes of small-town corruption, social unrest, and mob mentality, as the townspeople become increasingly paranoid and violent in their pursuit of Reeves.
Brando plays the town sheriff, who finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos and struggling to maintain order.
“The Chase” was notable for its all-star cast, which also included Angie Dickinson, Miriam Hopkins, and E.G. Marshall, as well as for its provocative subject matter and anti-establishment themes.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its performances and its portrayal of the tensions and divisions within American society, while others criticized it for being overly melodramatic and heavy-handed in its message.
Despite its mixed critical reception, “The Chase” has since become a cult classic and is regarded as an important work in the career of director Arthur Penn.
7. The Missouri Breaks (1976)
“The Missouri Breaks” is a Western film released in 1976, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.
The film is set in the late 1800s in Montana and follows a group of cattle rustlers led by Tom Logan (Nicholson), who are hunted by a ruthless and eccentric hired killer named Robert E. Lee Clayton (Brando).
The plot revolves around Logan and his gang as they steal cattle from a wealthy rancher named David Braxton (John McLiam), and are pursued by Braxton’s men and Clayton, who has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous and unpredictable killers in the West.
As the conflict escalates, Logan and Clayton engage in a tense and deadly game of cat-and-mouse that leads to a violent and tragic climax.
“The Missouri Breaks” is known for its unconventional storytelling, quirky characters, and dark humor.
The film was also notable for its casting, as Brando’s eccentric performance as Clayton was a departure from his earlier work and has since become a cult favorite among his fans.
While “The Missouri Breaks” received mixed reviews and was not a commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a reputation as a unique and compelling Western that subverts the conventions of the genre.
The film has been praised for its performances, direction, and cinematography, and is now considered a cult classic among Western fans.
8. Dead of Winter (1987)
Dead of Winter is a psychological thriller released in 1987, directed by Arthur Penn and starring Mary Steenburgen, Roddy McDowall, and Jan Rubes. The screenplay was written by Marc Shmuger and Mark Malone.
The film tells the story of a struggling actress named Katie (played by Steenburgen) who accepts a job at a remote mansion, where she is hired by the eccentric Dr. Lewis (played by Rubes) to impersonate his missing daughter.
As she delves deeper into the mystery of the mansion and its inhabitants, Katie becomes trapped in a dangerous web of lies and deceit, where she must fight for her survival.
Here are some reasons why you should watch Dead of Winter:
Suspenseful and gripping plot: The film’s plot is full of twists and turns, and the tension builds steadily throughout the movie.
The mystery surrounding the mansion and its inhabitants is intriguing and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Strong performances: Mary Steenburgen delivers a compelling performance as Katie, and her portrayal of the character’s emotional and psychological journey is captivating.
Roddy McDowall and Jan Rubes also give standout performances, adding depth and complexity to their characters.
Atmospheric and moody setting: The film’s setting, a remote mansion in the dead of winter, creates an eerie and foreboding atmosphere that adds to the tension and suspense of the story.
The mansion’s isolated and claustrophobic environment heightens the sense of danger and isolation felt by the characters.
Exploration of psychological themes: The film delves into themes of identity, memory, and trauma, as Katie navigates the dangerous game of deception orchestrated by Dr. Lewis. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the story and elevates the film beyond a simple thriller.
![Dead of Winter [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ym71V7hxL.jpg)
9. The Left Handed Gun (1958)
“The Left Handed Gun” is a Western film released in 1958 and directed by Arthur Penn. Here are some key details about the movie:
Cast: Paul Newman played the lead role of Billy the Kid, with John Dehner, James Best, Hurd Hatfield, and John Dierkes also appearing in supporting roles.
Plot: The movie tells a fictionalized version of the story of Billy the Kid, a notorious outlaw in the American West during the late 1800s. The film focuses on Billy’s relationship with his mentor, a rancher named Tunstall, and his subsequent conflicts with a rival gang led by Sheriff Pat Garrett.
Production: The film was based on a teleplay by Gore Vidal, which had aired on television earlier in 1958. Arthur Penn was brought on to direct the feature film adaptation, which was shot in black and white in and around Durango, Mexico.
Reception: “The Left Handed Gun” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising Paul Newman’s performance and the film’s unconventional take on the Western genre, while others found it to be too slow-paced and meandering.
Despite its mixed reception, the movie has since gained a cult following among fans of Western films and Paul Newman’s work.
10. Mickey One (1965)
“Mickey One” is a 1965 experimental film directed by Arthur Penn and starring Warren Beatty in the title role. The film is a unique blend of film noir, surrealism, and avant-garde techniques, with a heavy emphasis on visuals and atmosphere.
The film follows Mickey One, a stand-up comedian who becomes paranoid after he believes he has run afoul of the mob.
As he attempts to escape his troubles, he finds himself increasingly isolated and adrift in a dark, nightmarish world.
“Mickey One” is notable for its unconventional narrative structure and its use of innovative cinematic techniques, including unusual camera angles, jump cuts, and surreal dream sequences. It also features a memorable jazz score by composer Eddie Sauter.
The film was not a commercial success upon its release, but it has since gained a cult following among fans of avant-garde and experimental cinema.
It is considered a landmark in American independent filmmaking and an important precursor to the New Hollywood movement of the late 1960s and 1970s.
The film’s themes of alienation, paranoia, and the struggle for creative freedom also continue to resonate with audiences today.
3 Characteristics of Arthur Penn Films
Arthur Penn was a highly influential and innovative filmmaker who helped to shape the course of American cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. Here are three key characteristics that can be seen in many of his films:
Social and Political Themes: Many of Penn’s films dealt with pressing social and political issues of the day, including civil rights, war, and the counterculture.
His films often tackled complex and controversial topics with a sense of urgency and moral conviction, reflecting his own progressive values and social conscience.
Psychological Complexity: Penn was known for his nuanced and psychologically complex characterizations, often exploring the inner workings of his characters’ minds and emotions.
His films frequently featured troubled, morally ambiguous protagonists who were grappling with personal and existential crises.
Innovative Cinematic Techniques: Penn was an experimental and innovative filmmaker who was known for his use of unconventional cinematic techniques, including jump cuts, hand-held camera work, and fragmented editing.
His films often pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling and visual style, creating a sense of immediacy and visceral impact.
Overall, Penn’s films were marked by a combination of social relevance, psychological depth, and cinematic daring, making him one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his time.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Arthur Penn Films
Innovative storytelling: Arthur Penn was known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, often experimenting with unconventional narrative structures and techniques.
His films, such as “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Little Big Man,” broke new ground in terms of style and storytelling, and they continue to inspire filmmakers today.
Social commentary: Penn’s films often tackled controversial and taboo subjects, such as violence, racism, and political corruption.
He was known for his willingness to address social issues and challenge traditional Hollywood conventions, making his films both thought-provoking and relevant.
Iconic performances: Penn worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, including Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Marlon Brando, and Jane Fonda.
His films are notable for their powerful and nuanced performances, which have become iconic in their own right. For example, Faye Dunaway’s performance as Bonnie in “Bonnie and Clyde” is still remembered as one of the greatest performances in American cinema.
Best Arthur Penn Films – Wrapping Up
Arthur Penn was a talented filmmaker who made a significant contribution to the world of cinema. Here are some of his best films:
Bonnie and Clyde (1967): This groundbreaking crime film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway revolutionized American cinema and established Penn as one of its most innovative directors.
The Miracle Worker (1962): This powerful drama based on the life of Helen Keller features a stunning performance by Anne Bancroft as her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and earned Penn his first Oscar nomination for Best Director.
Little Big Man (1970): This epic Western starring Dustin Hoffman follows the life of a white man raised by Native Americans and provides a unique perspective on the history of the American West.
Alice’s Restaurant (1969): This offbeat comedy-drama based on the song by Arlo Guthrie features a memorable performance by Penn’s frequent collaborator, actor and musician Woody Guthrie.
The Missouri Breaks (1976): This unconventional Western starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson tells the story of a group of cattle rustlers pursued by a ruthless hired killer, and features an eccentric performance by Brando.
These films showcase Penn’s versatility and innovative approach to filmmaking, and cement his legacy as one of the most influential directors of his time.
