Western and smart thriller meet true crime and an iconic gangster couple – but with a new approach. Sounds good? Kevin Costner thought so too.
Real stories encompass countless angles. There is never just one correct or real point of view, everyone is the protagonist of their own experiences. In this way, one of the most famous gangster stories of the 20th century can be told once again in a unique way with new main characters.
If you’re thinking of Bonnie and Clyde, you’re right. If you’re thinking of Kevin Costner as an old Texas Ranger whose favorite companion is his pet pig, you’re also right. Netflix’s in-house production The Highwaymen looks at the gangster couple’s deeds from an investigator’s perspective. The result is a perfect blend of crime epic and western – and a fantastic Woody Harrelson is also involved.
The Highwaymen brings Kevin Costner out of retirement to capture an unstoppable pair of gangsters
The southern USA, 1930s. The Great Depression has the country firmly in its grip, people are not only dissatisfied, but are often fighting for their livelihoods. This makes perhaps the most famous gangster couple all the more popular when they begin their robberies: Bonnie and Clyde. For many a modern version of Robin Hood – for others nothing but robbers and murderers.
They are a particular thorn in the side of the police, as their violent acts are rampant and no one seems to be able to catch them. When the desperation becomes too great, Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner), a former Texas Ranger, is called in. His former partner Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) gets involved without being asked, but Frank is ultimately grateful for his help.
(Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner in The Highwaymen)
Two old hands are now supposed to straighten out everything that the executive has failed to do so far. With nothing but a car, a few weapons and their old talents in recognizing and following clues, they set off on an arduous 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 stunning, expansive landscape shots and Thomas Newman’s atmospheric soundtrack create mixed feelings of optimism and complete abandonment – a hypnotic mixture.
Interestingly, the humor doesn’t fall by the (endlessly long) wayside (through the USA) either. In other crime novels, the ageing investigator is, despite everything, a tough guy who nobody can fool. Here, our protagonists actually have to struggle with their age. They are slow, hesitant and quickly run out of breath – which makes them more human and occasionally provides some light-hearted humor.
(The Highwaymen)
And all of this pays off in a careful, clever de-romanticization of the Bonnie and Clyde myth. Explains how the general population reacts to their crimes – and why. Shows the hopes and disputes that their deeds aroused. Illustrates without embellishment how misguided we can be in our choice of heroes and the trail of destruction and violence Bonnie and Clyde really left behind
