As you know, I try, if possible, to coordinate the week’s posts with my movie pick. Since the past few days featured an art opening and dazzling jewelry, I thought the very glamorous 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair would be perfect. It is rare for me to like a remake of an original film, but this version of the 1968 Steven McQueen and Faye Dunaway classic does it justice.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the film, let me give you a quick reprisal. Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) is a billionaire entrepreneur and art collector who loves taking risks and enjoys a good challenge such as betting $100,000 on a golf stroke. As he feels his life has become too complacent, he decides to raise the stakes. He has his eye on the prize of a heavily guarded Monet valued at $100,000,000, which he of course manages to sneak out of what is clearly supposed to be the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. The insurers then send in the gorgeous investigator Catherine Banning (Rene Russo) to solve the crime. Naturally the romantic tension escalates as the two play a rather sexy game of cat and mouse.
This film has a lot going for it. John McTiernan’s direction made what could have been an ordinary remake into a sophisticated stylish and total entertaining caper. The writing is fun – with witty banter filled with sexual innuendo -Tom Priestly’s evocative photography is luminous and the wonderful score from Bill Conti is a fabulous jazzy blend . And of course the two stars are dazzling with great on-screen chemistry. I’ve always liked Renee Russo. She’s one of the few ex models who I think made a successful transition into films. And she does a fabulous job here – she plays the tough Banning with reserved yet seductive intelligence. Although I always adore her long wavy locks, the sophisticated bob she sports in this film is just incredibly chic.
In fact everything in the film is glamorous – the settings, clothes, cars, planes,
but especially Russo’s wardrobe. In fact the film is almost worth watching for the clothes alone. Russo evidently asked Michael Kors, who was then creative director at Celine, to design the wardrobe for her. One outfit is more classically luxurious than the next – I remember thinking I wanted it all!
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Denis Leary has a string supporting role and Faye Dunaway makes a fun cameo appearance. If you are looking for some light stylish entertainment with a little aesthetic inspiration for the weekend, give this a whirl. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Here’s the trailer.
It’s a modern classic and what a shame that I’ve never seen the whole movie!
Have a lovely weekend dear!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
This is one movie I am very familiar with…and loved. Have seen it at least three times..its so glamorous and beautiful, love Renee Russos wardrobe…Pierce wasn’t too shabby to look at either! So agree in that she is one of the very few credible former models who has successfuly transitioned into the acting world and done a great job at that..the onscreen chemistry here was right on and overall I have enjoyed this over and over and don’t think I have seen it for the last time!
BIG fan of Renee Russo, I need to re watch this one.
I cannot believe that I ahve not seen this now. I loved the original and like you always avoided remakes. Think I am going to put this on my list for the weekend.
I have to see this movie asap!!! Have a great weekend, my dear
Kisses
I’ve seen it and it’s fun..
maureen
Such a great movie. They had such terrific chemistry. And that Michael Kors wardrobe–gorgeous and classic. They look just as good today as when the film came out.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jeanne
I love this movie, I’ve seen it so many times! Renee Russo was so breathtakingly gorgeous in it, and of course, I’m obsessed with her beautiful red hair!!
Sounds intruiging! Have a great weekend! xo
I saw this remake when it came out and thought it was very classy. But of course, anything with Pierce Brosnan would be! Thanks for the suggestion — I’m ready to see this movie again …
I’ve seen this and loved it. Renee Russo is so chic and Pierce, well he is just eye candy. Have a great weekend. Mona
Hi Q – you’ve invaded my brain as I stayed up til 3 last weekend watching this for at least the 20th time… THIS is case where the remake one ups the original… Favorite is the last 2 minutes…
My son (14) just wrote a video game story that sounds very familiar to this plot. I wonder if this movie would be too racy for him to watch. I adore Pierce Brosnan (and that accent). Thank you Quintessence!
I remember loving this movie. It was so glamorous and the music was great. She wore one great outfit after another, I remember dying over her clothes! Great film to rewatch.
Again bravo Q. My goodness you are always so in tune with what is glamorous, whether it was something created centuries ago or “un bijou” like this that was done recently and will be seen as a design cult film in the future–maybe thanks to you!
This is the second week in a row you are showcasing a movie I haven’t seen, it’s fabulous, allowing us to add another to the queue that we really would like to see. Thank you for what is clearly another stellar suggestion!
May you enjoy a delightful weekend!
tp
It is the best…. love the earlier version as well with Faye Dunaway and Steve McQueen as well….a movie I did not fall asleep in!
This is such a great movie and I loved her wardrobe. Some of my clients still ask for long toussled strands like she wore in this film! Happy weekend!
xo Mary Jo
I want All of the clothes in this movie!
All time favorite movie! The actors are brilliant and I’ve actually never seen the original, which I really should do. I became obsessed with Renees wardrobe and hairstyle from this movie.
And Pierce Brosnan…..there are no words!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
You picked one of my favorites! The fashion, the locations, the cast, the chemistry between Renee and Pierce and the soundtrack. Love it!
I love everything in this movie. The locations are stunning.
I love this movie and even bought the soundtrack. Completely agree I adore Rene’as wardrobe and wanted to fill my closet! There is such chemistry between them which really makes it superb!
Come and enter my fashionable giveaway from The French Basketeer!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
If I could just have the wardrobe….a friend and I always talk about this movie for the fashion perfection.
pve
The original is one of my all time favorites, so when they remade it, I held my breath. It was so well done! This film is 11 years old, yet Rene’s MK wardrobe still looks current and I would still die for her haircut. I believe she was 48 at the time, and she was so drop dead sexy and confident. THAT is a woman!
I always watch this movie when it comes on- her haircut still looks fresh even now and the clothes, oh the clothes!