Real stories include countless perspectives. There is never just one correct or real point of view, everyone is the protagonist of their own experiences. This is how one of the most famous gangster stories of the 20th century be told again in a unique way with new main characters.
If you think of Bonnie and Clyde, you’re right. Anyone who thinks of Kevin Costner as an old Texas Ranger whose favorite companion is his pet pig is also correct. Because Netflix’s own production The Highwaymen looks at the crimes of the gangster couple from an investigator’s perspective. The result is one perfect mix of crime epic and western – and a fantastic Woody Harrelson is also there.
The Highwaymen brings Kevin Costner out of retirement to capture an unstoppable pair of gangsters
The South of the USA, 1930s. The Great Depression has the country firmly in its grip; people are not only dissatisfied, but are often even fighting for their existence. Perhaps the most famous gangster couple received even more support when they began their raids: Bonnie and Clyde. For many a modern version of Robin Hood – for others nothing but robbers and murderers.
They are particularly a thorn in the side of the police because their acts of violence are getting out of hand and no one seems to be able to catch them. When the desperation becomes too great, Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner), his character, is reactivated former Texas Ranger. His former partner Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) steps in without being asked, but Frank is ultimately grateful for his help.
Netflix
Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner in The Highwaymen
Two old hands are now tasked with putting everything back on track that the executive has not managed to date. With nothing but a car, a few weapons and their old talents in recognizing and following clues, they set off laborious and dangerous search.
The Highwaymen tells the story of Bonnie and Clyde in a completely new way – in all its cruelty
The Highwaymen develops a pull that is made up of many wonderful components. First of all, there is the overall mood: Visually powerful, wide landscape shots and Thomas Newman’s atmospheric soundtrack create mixed feelings of optimism and complete abandonment – a hypnotic mix.
Interestingly, the humor doesn’t stay on the (endlessly long) route (through the USA). In other crime novels, the aging investigator is, despite everything, a tough guy who no one can fool. Here our protagonists actually have to struggling with their age. They are slow, hesitant, and quickly out of breath – which makes them more human and occasionally makes them smile.
Netflix
The Highwaymen
And all of this is done carefully and wisely Deromanticization of the Bonnie and Clyde myth. Explains how the general population reacts to their crimes – and why. Shows the hopes and discord their actions raised. It clearly illustrates how misguided we can be in choosing our heroes and what trail of destruction and violence Bonnie and Clyde really left behind.
The Highwaymen is a Anti-fairy tale, a street western. A tragedy. And a film that is worth every second. If you have a few of those seconds to spare and are curious about this version of the Bonnie and Clyde story, you can check it out on Netflix.