The Thomas Crown Affair

Director John McTiernan and Pierce Brosnan team up again to pound out one seriously smooth sexual slobberknocker in this remake of the 1968 Norman Jewison classic. On the surface, one may think this a bad thing as trying to fill the shoes of Jewison or Steve McQueen is a tall order at best, however in this case the results couldn't be any better. Brosnan is at the very top of his game here, giving the rogue cosmopolitan charm to Crown necessary to be effective in the role. It certainly doesn't hurt to have Rene Russo, who I think is the most beautiful woman in the world, as the lady lead to bounce off of, oh and bounce they do kiddies....bounce indeed. The two share a tango scene which almost melted my video monitor! Denis Leary gives wonderful support as do veterans Ben Gazzara and Fritz Weaver but hwat really must be mentioned here is the wickedly tight direction of McTiernan. You can feel both he and Brosnan's love for this project....it overflows in every shot and every line delivery! Considering no actual museums were used for locations on this film, serious credos must be given to the set builders and art department. The work is phenomanal. The legenday Faye Dunaway, who played opposite McQueen in the original, has a great part as Crown's psychiatrist and the spectacular Esther Canadas shows up, sadly in only a very minor role. Bill Conti treats us to some of the finest music of his career and it wonderful compliments the festering sexual tension between Brosnan and Russo. Overall, this is a crew of professionals giving their very best and we, the gentle viewers, reap the rewards.