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Bonnie and Clyde Director Arthur Penn Dies at 88

Hollywood has already lost too many talents this week, and here’s another unfortunate addition: Director Arthur Penn died last night at the age of 88. Penn is best known for helming Bonnie and Clyde, the raucous and revolutionary 1966 film that opened the floodgates for new depictions of sex, violence, and youth culture in the movies, though his long list of film and theater credits also includes The Miracle Worker and Night Moves. In addition, Penn may have had a hand in transforming American politics as we know it: In 1960, he coached John F. Kennedy on how to appear telegenic and confident in Kennedy’s presidential debates with Richard Nixon (and even directed the third debate himself). [NYT]

Bonnie and Clyde Director Arthur Penn Dies at 88