Norman Jewison, the director of The Thomas Crown Affair, described it as a film "of style over content". While it is undoubtedly highly styled it is also a powerful study of sexual chemistry set within the bounds of an entertaining caper. Thomas Crown (McQueen) is a jet set millionaire, who keeps himself amused by masterminding the perfect bank robbery. Vicky Anderson (Dunaway) is the insurance investigator who is called in to help the bank recover their money. While Vicky suspects that Thomas was behind the robbery she has no proof. She socializes with him to try and trick him into giving something away, but their growing attraction is more than she was counting on.

The highlight of the film is, without a doubt, the romantic tension between the two leads. This is almost tangible at times and does not rely on dialogue to accentuate it; indeed, both characters tend to keep their cards close to their chest. Both, of course, look great; McQueen is the stylish and cool playboy around town, Dunaway looks every inch the glamorous model (which of course she was). The chess scene is a great example of how the director heightens the mood; pieces are toyed with, close ups are drawn-out and sexual imagery abounds. After over six minutes with almost no dialogue the kiss is a wonderful conclusion to a highly charged piece of film-making.

The use of multiple screens during the heist was innovative at the time and together with the award-winning score makes this a thoroughly enjoyable film. While some of the styling does look dated compared to modern films this adds to the overall effect. The cars, the clothes and the lifestyle of the 1960s, together with two of Hollywood's hottest stars, come together nicely in this chic, stylish flick.