When two charming characters turn to a life of crime together, their magnetic chemistry and devilish outlook on the ways of the world enthralls cinema audiences who cheer on their illicit schemes. With the upcoming release of FOCUS, starring Will Smith and Margot Robbie, the stakes are high, the skill is unparalled and the chemistry is captivating, as the pair attempt the ultimate dangerous and fast-paced con.
To celebrate the release of FOCUS on February 27, we take a look at the criminal couples we couldn’t look away from as they carried out their corrupt plans.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967) – Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway
Taking inspiration from its source material, Bonnie and Clyde broke many cinematic taboos in the way it showed sex and violence. Telling the true story of a young and attractive couple who go from pulling small-time heists to robbing banks, only to attract the attention of the law, the film effectively introduced the tragic icons to a new audience.
Natural Born Killers (1994) – Woody Harrelson & Juliette Lewis
Named the eighth most controversial film of all time, Natural Born Killers is the tale of two victims of traumatic childhoods who become lovers and mass murderers. Shining a light on how the mass media irresponsibly glorifies criminals, the deadly pair are elevated to cult hero status as the body count rises.
Casino (1995) – Robert DeNiro & Sharon Stone
When a mafia associate is sent to run the Tangiers casino in Las Vegas in order to skim the profits for the mob, he falls in love with an expert hustler. The pair have an explosive relationship as their status and wealth rises, but suspicions around illegal licenses and former boyfriends threaten not only to tear them apart, but also the entire mafia organisation.
Mr & Mrs Smith (2005) – Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie
The action-packed blockbuster revolving around a married couple who are both unaware that the other is a skilled assassin has a great mixture of humour and thrill. After putting their marital problems to bed, the violent duo team up to take on the very companies that pitted them against each other in a gloriously entertaining shoot out.
Focus (2015) – Will Smith & Margot Robbie
After teaching a novice the tricks of the trade, a master con artist abruptly cuts ties after she gets too close for comfort. Now an accomplished femme fatale, she turns up in the midst of his most dangerous scheme yet and throws his plans through a loop …and the con man off his game. With fascinating sleight of hand tricks that baffle the mind and captivating on-screen chemistry between the two leads, Focus is a slick heist film with a sophisticated vibe in which the stakes start out high and get exponentially higher.
