Faye Dunaway, 1969
When I was a teenager, I went through a Warren Beatty phase. I watched every film I could: Splendor in the Grass, Reds, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Shampoo and even Ishtar, which I didn’t think was as bad as everyone said it was! By the time Bugsy rolled into theatres, I was over him. Perhaps my most favorite Beatty film was Bonnie & Clyde, but I think that has a lot to do with the gorgeous and talented Faye Dunaway.
Dunaway, 1970
Faye was so glamorous, that she made it seem okay and maybe even a little cool to be a bank robber. I started wearing berets immediately after I saw the film. Although she was admittedly fashionable, the real Bonnie Parker wasn’t quite as stunning as Ms. Dunaway in her scarves, slim skirts and pretty little, fine gauge sweaters.
Faye as notorious bank robber, Bonnie Parker
Faye Dunaway & Warren Beatty in Bonnie & Clyde, 1967
the real Clyde Barrow & Bonnie Parker, 1933
I admit, Dunaway scared me a little in Mommie Dearest, where she plays the abusive Joan Crawford (“NO WIRE HANGERS!”), but Faye makes a pretty elegant crazy bitch. She even managed to look somewhat attractive in her performance as a drunk in Barfly – she certainly looked better than her co-star, Mickey Rourke (and that was BEFORE his plastic surgery).
Faye in Mommie Dearest, 1981
Faye Dunaway & Mickey Rourke in Barfly 1987
At nearly 70 years old, Faye still looks great today. She is truly a woman of style and taste.
Dunaway in 2008
